Report

Breaking the curse of corruption in Lebanon

This report from UK think tank Chatham House looks at the near collapse of the state in Lebanon due to corruption.

Lebanon is facing an unprecedented socio-economic crisis. Since the end of the civil war, corruption within the political elites – which have used the state as a vehicle for self-enrichment and patronage-distribution – has undermined the country’s recovery and development. Following protests in October 2019, the government introduced several anti-corruption laws and the National Anti-Corruption Strategy in an attempt to pacify an angry public and enhance the country’s appeals for international funding. While observers are sceptical that the anti-corruption measures will be implemented, Lebanon’s civil society has a chance to build on this momentum and to exert pressure, domestically and internationally, to demand genuine anti-corruption action and accountability.