The impact of external intervention on power sharing agreements. (c2011)

Abstract

Lebanon has attracted the attention of historians and travellers since its early formation in the 18th century as a typical case of a society with different religious sects, each protecting its socio-religious traditions and prerogatives. It has always been considered an unusual state with its paradoxes and conflicts, often paving the way for different kinds of external intervention. Lebanon has also experienced several civil wars, some of which took place even before its formation as an independent state. These wars invited foreign intervention, consequently resulting in the implementation of new power sharing formulas. The latter often fail to establish durable peace, however. This thesis examines the impact of external intervention on the production of power sharing agreements in Lebanon. It traces this process from the Mount Lebanon experience, through the National Pact and Ta‟if Agreement, and to the most recent Doha Accord. The thesis examines the overlapping domestic, regional, and international circumstances that led to the initiation of internal crises and to the later renegotiation of new power sharing agreements. Moreover, this study focuses especially on the conflicts and external interventions revolving around presidential elections as examples of the aforementioned overlapping circumstances.