As Lebanon continues to suffer from several compounded crises, a growing debate is gaining traction on possible political solutions to the country's woes and responses to the country's sectarian, clientelist, and corrupt political system. Decentralization and federalism are two political models that have become important topics when discussing political and institutional reform in Lebanon. Inherently linked but varying in their modeling and applications, decentralization and federalism are currently being touted by some as the cure-alls for Lebanon's ills, and staunchly opposed by others.
This publication offers an in-depth exploration of governance structures in Lebanon, shedding light on two critical themes:
- "Decentralization in Lebanon: Charting A Path for Effective Governance" – This section delves into the historical and legal evolution of decentralization in Lebanon, assessing its challenges and proposing reforms to enhance local governance.
- "The Question of Lebanese Federalism" – Examining the concept of federalism within the Lebanese context, this section discusses past and present initiatives, evaluating their feasibility and potential impact on governance and national cohesion.
This paper aims to foster informed discussions and policy recommendations for a more effective and inclusive governance framework in Lebanon.