Changing Paths: Evaluating U.S. Policy Toward Lebanon
Abstract
While the United States is currently focused on the liberation of Iraq and the establishment of a working democracy there, the legacy of a small nation in the Levant has been ignored. Many studies show that Lebanon was a viable democracy prior to the start of the civil war in 1975. The infrastructure and institutions for democracy are still present, making Lebanon the most likely of the Arab states to succeed in transitioning to democracy. Considering the U.S. national security strategy of propagating democracy throughout the world, it is in the United States' best interest to consider Lebanon. Successfully supporting a return to democracy there would not only lessen its appeal as a haven for terrorism, but would also provide the United States with a democratic Arab ally in the Middle East. This essay identifies path dependence as a significant factor behind U.S. policy of disengagement toward Lebanon since 1983. I argue that a new path of engaged political activism could bring more positive results for both Lebanon and the U.S.. A viable U.S. policy aiding Lebanon's democracy and free market would further the U.S. in accomplishing its national security strategies in the Middle East.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA524480
Entities
People
- Raymond L. Reves
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School