This research explores the extent to which decentralized governance has influenced the management of Lebanon’s protracted crisis. Through a case study of the Municipality of Beddawi’s response to the Syrian Refugee crisis with a recognition of the interlinked health (COVID19) and security crises (recent Israeli raids), and through adopting a combined multi-level governance and network governance approach, the study investigates the interplay between vertical and horizontal structures and actors in the management of the crisis. The focus is primarily on municipal capacity, accountability mechanisms, ...

Throughout its history, Lebanon has had diverse relations with a multitude of countries. Many of these relations faded away, others have changed drastically. However, one that has remained little changed and is today as strong as ever, is the relationship with the Holy See. This makes any observer wonder about the reasons for this solid relationship. While reviewing the long years of the history of the relationship between the two countries, this paper aimed at showing how stable and unchanged the Holy See diplomacy was in Lebanon. To do that, it was necessary to start from the very beginning, ...

Mesopotamia back then, Iraq and neighbors today were the Cradle of Civilizations, all the first firsts were born there, first concept of cities and villages, first law, philosophy, arts, ceramics, the concept of religion and construction of temples, concept of politics, sciences and technology, medicine and literature were also created first in Mesopotamia as well as the creations of the beer and the wheel. This Civilization exported all its creation to the world, philosophy, literature, science, technology, medicine, arts, education, industry, and manufacturing were all exported from Mesopotamia ...

Energy security, defined as uninterrupted access to affordable energy, is essential for modern societies. Uneven distribution of energy resources creates reliance between resource-rich and resource-scarce countries. This thesis examines European Union (EU) strategies for securing gas supplies and reducing dependence on Russia. Historically, gas trade between the EU and Russia evolved from interdependence to European dependence. Currently, Russia leverages its gas exports as an energy weapon, creating vulnerability for the EU. This study analyzes the EU-Russia gas trade relation, in which the EU ...

Lebanon, the second smallest state in the Middle East, has been influenced by numerous foreign interventions, of which most significant are those by, regional and global powers, the French Republic and the United States of America. Beyond their direct military presence in the past, both the US and France have been constantly accused of meddling in Lebanon’s internal affairs. In the past few years, the United States had been regularly imposing sanctions on Lebanese companies and individuals, whereas, more recently still, France was becoming directly involved in the Lebanese political crisis. ...

Today, the world is witnessing a debate between free trade (doctrine) and protectionism (doctrine). Those two are, opposite trade policies. The world’s main concern is the future of the international trade system. The issue of Trade is a global modern phenomenon that has an immense impact on countries and international relations. Changes came along the election of Donald Trump as the 45th US president. Among those changes, is Trump’s adoption of protectionist policies in opposite to Obama’s liberalist policies taken during his presidential term. One of those protectionist policies Trump has ...

This research delves into the geoeconomic dynamics of energy security and the influence of strategic resource policies on international relations. It examines how nations strategically manage their energy resources to gain political leverage and shape global dynamics. The study investigates the interplay between energy markets, geopolitical interests, and state policies, providing valuable insights into the intricate nature of resource-based power struggles. By analyzing case studies and employing theoretical frameworks, the research sheds light on the complex interactions between energy security, ...