Setting the policy agenda : disaster management in Lebanon -

Abstract

Although Lebanon is considered a high disaster risk area, the country does not have an organized national disaster management system. To explore the status of the disaster management issue in Lebanon, the agenda-setting perspective was applied. This perspective suggests that only those issues considered a priority are placed on the government’s formal agenda and have chance to be substantially resolved. This perspective also suggests that only a limited number of issues can simultaneously be placed on the formal agenda, and that certain factors promote or block the placement of the issue on the formal agenda. The agenda-setting perspective helped to answer to four research questions. First, what types of disaster risks exist within Lebanon? Second, to what extent is Lebanon prepared to face these hazards? Third, what is the agenda status of disaster management issue on the agenda of the government of Lebanon? Fourth, what factors explain the agenda status of disaster management as a policy issue in Lebanon? To answer these questions, twenty-four interviews with the disaster management professionals and policy makers in Lebanon were conducted. Data was analyzed using the thematic analysis. The findings suggest that Lebanon is a disaster-prone country and is poorly prepared to a disaster event. The findings further suggest that disaster management issues are promoted on the agenda of the government by several domestic and international events and actors. However, due to political, ideational and economic constraints the disaster issue is “stuck” on the pseudo agenda of the government, where the issues with no intention for consideration are placed. This research had several implications. First, it clarified the agenda-setting process in Lebanon by highlighting the factors that promote or block the issue placement on the formal agenda. Second, it suggested some general recommendations on how to avoid potential blockages. Third, it suggested alternative recommendations on how this issue might be