Besides identity politics based on sectarian affiliations, foreign relations issues are probably the second most widespread factor that dictates the voting patterns of Lebanese society.  Lebanese society is heavily fragmented in terms of who they consider to be the “enemies” and the “benevolent” political forces in the region and in the world. These clashes in perception are often heavily influenced by sectarian identities, ideological leanings, … Continue reading Basics of Diplomacy

States are political entities with the authority to govern over particular geographic areas. Nations are large bodies of people united by common descent, history, culture and/or language. When the two converge, a nation-state arises, with the state acting as the official representative of a single nation. Today, all sovereign states in the world can be categorized as either nation-states or multi-national states – in which … Continue reading The rise of nation-states

To complete the analytical framework for understanding why Lebanon is a vassal state, the identity factor is key. While the foundations of sovereignty are internal factors within the control of the Lebanese population, regional geopolitical are external factors that can amplify and worsen weaknesses in the domestic factors. The identity factor can make or break the direction and agency of the local population with respect … Continue reading Why is Lebanon a vassal state? 3) Identity

Geopolitics is the science of the intersection between geographic and political factors. Geography is quasi time-invariant; tectonic shifts occur over thousands of years. Climates go through many shorter cycles lasting hundreds of years, as well as a long-run cycle. Political variables change more frequently, driven by human dynamics evolving on a daily basis. Geographically, the Levant has been at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and … Continue reading Why is Lebanon a vassal state? 2) Regional Geopolitics

Since the establishment of the state, Lebanese territory has been occupied for 78 years by five different foreign armed forces. Whether these occupations were legitimate, beneficial or harmful, include domestic fighters, or received Lebanese government approval is a separate discussion. These occupations all entail subordination of the Lebanese military-security apparatus to a foreign command and control structure, impeding the ability of the Lebanese state to … Continue reading Why is Lebanon a vassal state? 1) Foundations of Sovereignty

Relationships between vassals and stronger states have been around since the early development of state relations. The stronger state typically agrees to provide military support and any other existential support to keep the vassal state afloat in times of crisis. In return, the dominant state receives commercial, military or tributary (taxes) privileges. Vassal states typically agree to the deal out of a combination of consent … Continue reading History of vassal states

Derived from the Latin term “superanus”, meaning “chief”, or “principal”, sovereignty is a key aspect of states and describes supreme legitimate authority over a territory. Sovereignty involves a local aspect, whereby the state must be able to legitimately provide law and order in a society via its monopoly over the use of force. It also entails international recognition and respect by foreign governments of the … Continue reading Foundations of Sovereignty