Managing The Fallout from The Beirut Port Explosion with A Special Focus on Customs Administration

Abstract

Lebanon's economic crisis, political instability, and social discontent have significantly impacted its stability and security since 2019. The Beirut port, a key gateway for marine trade, has been exploited, leading to poor administration, corruption, and inefficiencies. The governance of this sector, which was described as a "patchwork of ad-hoc institutions,1" led to poor administration, corruption, and inefficiencies. The 2020 explosion in Beirut highlighted long-standing issues with political meddling and poor governance, emphasizing the urgent need for recovery plans and reforms. In light of these difficulties, this thesis investigates post-explosion Beirut port operations and the Lebanese political system, focusing on the structural obstacles to efficient port governance and trade facilitation. The time period covered is August 4, 2020, until present. Thus, it includes the immediate aftermath effects of the explosion as well as the ongoing difficulties that the Beirut port and customs office are facing. The study uses a qualitative research approach, including document analysis, case studies, and interviews, to examine the historical context and regional effects on port operations. The research aims at filling the gap in the interpretation of the relationship between the Lebanese political system and Beirut port operations. It highlights the need for governance changes to improve trade facilitation and address systemic issues. The findings will contribute to existing literature on managing public institutions during crises and provide guidance to practitioners, stakeholders, and policymakers in reconstructing and restructuring Lebanon’s port industry.