The Shock Doctrine in Lebanon: A History and a Current Reality

Abstract

This research delves into the diverse manifestations of shocks and their subsequent reactions within varying socio-political models. The focus is on comparing nations where legitimacy stems from formal institutional decisions, characterized by anticipated opposition where opposition is both feared and felt, with countries like Lebanon, where a fragile truce among sectarian militia-based communities forms the basis of legitimacy. The problem at hand lies in comprehending the intricacies of how shocks unfold and elicit reactions across different socio-political landscapes. In Lebanon, the absence of structured reactions to shocks is evident, as decisions are often accepted without formal mandates, contributing to a pervasive sense of numbness among the populace. The motivation for this study arises from the recognition that, despite the significance of the "Shock” and its implications, the field remains largely unexplored, particularly in a non-western context. This research aims to address this gap by focusing on Lebanon, where shocks are met with little opposition or structured reactions, providing a unique case study that can contribute valuable insights to the broader understanding of socio-political dynamics in the face of significant shocks.