The Impact of the 2019 Lebanese Multidimensional Crisis on Young Adults’ Political Attitudes and Behavior

Abstract

How do economic crises affect individuals’ political attitudes and behavior? The thesis sheds light on the impact of the 2019 Lebanese multidimensional crisis on young adults’ political attitudes and behavior. For more than two years, Lebanon has been assailed by overlapping economic and social crises, including severe economic depression, a banking crisis, currency devaluation, the Beirut Port explosion of August 4, 2020, political stalemate over the formation of a new government, and the Covid-19 pandemic. To gauge the impact of this multidimensional crisis, this study employs a qualitative analysis of focus group discussions with Lebanese young adults aged between 21 and 27 who hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Findings show that the 2019 multidimensional crisis had a significant negative impact on young adults’ political attitudes and behavior, affecting their affiliations, political interest, and trust. This crisis has led to an increase in political mistrust, alteration in political affiliations, and a gradual decrease in political interest.