When the Lights Go Out: Life, Inflation, and Lebanon’s Fragile Democratic Renewal

Lebanon’s economic and political collapse has eroded public trust and weakened state institutions. Once called the “Switzerland of the Middle East,” it now faces blackouts, inflation, and a devalued currency. Decades of sectarian power-sharing paved the way for the 2019 financial crisis, marking the collapse of the postwar order. Hezbollah—a political party and paramilitary group backed by Iran—has expanded its role in governance, security, and welfare, reinforcing a shadow-state dynamic as the country drifts further from democracy. Yet under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s new 2025 administration, early reforms in energy, banking, and transparency signal a fragile but honest effort to restore accountability and rebuild democratic state legitimacy.

Middle EastAllegra VercesiDecember 11, 2025Lebanon, Hezbollah, political legitimacy, governance crisis, corruption, foreign intervention, state sovereignty, Middle East geopolitics, energy crisis, inflation, financial collapse, currency devaluation, economic reform

When the Lights Go Out: Life, Inflation, and Lebanon’s Fragile Democratic Renewal

Lebanon’s economic and political collapse has eroded public trust and weakened state institutions. Once called the “Switzerland of the Middle East,” it now faces blackouts, inflation, and a devalued currency. Decades of sectarian power-sharing paved the way for the 2019 financial crisis, marking the collapse of the postwar order. Hezbollah—a political party and paramilitary group backed by Iran—has expanded its role in governance, security, and welfare, reinforcing a shadow-state dynamic as the country drifts further from democracy. Yet under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s new 2025 administration, early reforms in energy, banking, and transparency signal a fragile but honest effort to restore accountability and rebuild democratic state legitimacy.

Middle EastAllegra VercesiNovember 12, 2025Lebanon, Hezbollah, political legitimacy, governance crisis, corruption, foreign intervention, state sovereignty, Middle East geopolitics, energy crisis, inflation, financial collapse, currency devaluation, economic reform

Calls for Human Rights Council to Establish Independent Investigation into Deadly Beirut Explosion

The power struggle within the Lebanese Judicial system leads to inconclusive evidence of who is responsible for the deadly Beirut explosion. Victims are now calling for an independent investigation by the UN Human Rights Council to hold the Lebanese government accountable.

Middle EastBy Ginevra VercesiFebruary 16, 2023beirut, Beirut explosion, Lebanon Judicial system, Human Rights Violations, United Nations Human Rights Council, Judge Bitar, Prosecutor Oweidat, Political Interference, Fair Trial, Fair Trial Standards, International Investigation, Lebanese Politicians, Lebanon, International Support, world response, stalled investigation

The Annihilation of Lebanon's Livelihood: Food Insecurity in Lebanon

This article looks at the current food insecurity issue in Lebanon, which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Beirut explosion incident, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Middle EastBy Ruofei ShangFebruary 9, 2023Food Security, Food insecurity, Financial Crisis, Lebanon, Ukraine, COVID-19, Pandemic, Colonialism, Crops