Syrian Refugees and the Struggle for Sovereignty in Lebanon: Navigating Political and International Tensions

Abstract

This study examines the ongoing tensions surrounding the repatriation of Syrian refugees and its destabilizing effect on Lebanon’s political system. Since the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011, approximately 1.7 million Syrians sought refuge in Lebanon. Initially, a significant portion of the Lebanese government supported these refugees on humanitarian grounds. However, the protracted presence of refugees has strained Lebanon’s fragile political system, leading to conflicting perspectives between Lebanon and the international community. While international actors advocate for securing refugees' settlement and upholding their rights, Lebanon maintains a stance prioritizing their return to Syria, citing national sovereignty and security concerns. The central research question of this study asks: How has the influx of Syrian refugees influenced Lebanon's political discourse on national sovereignty, and what are the tensions between Lebanon’s policy responses and its international legal obligations? This study will explore Lebanon’s internal divisions on the issue and the ways in which external pressures shape its policy towards refugees. The research also interrogates whether Lebanon’s sovereignty is being compromised by international interventions and the continued settlement of refugees, ultimately impacting the country’s political, economic, and demographic stability. The study argues that without constructive dialogue between the Lebanese government and international actors, the impasse on Syrian refugees will persist, exacerbating Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis and political fragmentation.