The Securitization of the Syrian Refugee Crisis in Lebanon: A critical perspective

Abstract

Through the lenses of Barry Buzan and Ole Weaver & other members of the Copenhagen School of thought, this thesis studies the securitization process of the Syrian Refugee Crisis in Lebanon and its contours, from 2011, until 2015. Thus, this study will empathize public statements delivered by Lebanese government personnel addressing the Syrian refugee crisis over time; how those representations will resonate among the public opinion; and to an extend, how this process will permit the legitimization and implementation of specific policies towards Syrian refugees by the Lebanese government. Furthermore, it will be possible to verify that the Lebanese State managed the Syrian refugee influx in two different manners. The first phase, form 2011, until 2013, is characterized by a humanitarian approach. With the continuity of the civil war in Syria and the consequent dilatation of the Syrian humanitarian crisis, the Lebanese State switched its discourse towards the issue, while more Syrian national where seeking for refuge in Lebanon. In the course of this second period; from 2013 until 2014; it will begin the securitization process. This process will end with a formal security act by January 2015, when the Lebanese State will close officially its borders to Syrian refugees.