The persistence of clientelism in Lebanon. (c2015)

Abstract

How does clientelism implicate the political, economic and governance foundation of a developing nation? This thesis examines clientelism as it coincides with sectarian consociational power sharing arrangement in a fragile environment. It describes clientelism’s historic and contemporary role in shaping the political economy of Lebanon. It unravels the peculiarity of clientelism in contrast to both capitalism and socialism within a deeply divided society. A series of interviews are conducted with key public informants in order to inform the relationship between political allegiance and economic benefits that are often formulated by nepotistic and sectarian-based networks. The research reveals that clientelism combines variety of capitalistic as well as socialistic attributes in the formulation of sectarian allegiance and political leadership, outlined in a zero-sum game.