At a Glance
Alliances & Memberships
- League of Arab Nations
- Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)
- Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
- Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
- G-77
- European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) partner
Foreign Policy Overview
Lebanon's foreign policy is defined by its 'dissociation policy,' aimed at shielding the country from regional conflicts, particularly the Syrian Civil War, though this is difficult to maintain in practice. The doctrine emphasizes non-interference, sovereignty, and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Lebanon maintains a strategic but complex relationship with the West (USA and France) while being heavily influenced by regional powers Iran and Saudi Arabia. The nation remains in a technical state of war with Israel and maintains a firm stance on the right of return for Palestinian refugees. A cornerstone of its policy is the demand for international support to manage the presence of over 1.5 million Syrian refugees on its soil. Lebanon seeks the total liberation of occupied territories, including the Shebaa Farms and Kfarshouba Hills.
Key Positions on Major Issues
Climate: Lebanon is a party to the Paris Agreement; focuses on reforestation (Lebanon Cedar Programme) and renewable energy targets of 30% by 2030, despite the fuel crisis. Security: Demands full implementation of UNSCR 1701; insists on the cessation of Israeli airspace violations and the return of occupied border points. Human Rights: Addressing the Kafala system remains a point of international pressure; Lebanon maintains that the permanent settlement of refugees is a violation of its constitution. Trade: Seeking IMF reform-linked aid; emphasizes the re-establishment of the banking sector and maritime border stability for gas exploration in Block 9. Regional: Supports a two-state solution for Palestine with East Jerusalem as capital; promotes the Arab Peace Initiative.
UN Voting Record Notes
Lebanon consistently votes in favor of resolutions supporting Palestinian self-determination and criticizing Israeli settlement activity (e.g., A/RES/77/247). It typically abstains or aligns with the Arab League consensus on sensitive regional conflicts like the Syrian suspension from the Arab League (voted against suspension in 2011, supported reinstatement in 2023). On Ukraine (ES-11/1), Lebanon notably voted 'Yes' to condemn the invasion, distinguishing itself from some regional peers by citing the importance of territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Economy & Trade
GDP composition: Services (83%), Industry (13%), Agriculture (4%). Currency: Lebanese Pound (LBP), currently devalued by over 98% in the parallel market. Key industries: Banking, tourism, food processing, jewelry, textiles. Major exports: Gold, jewelry, scrap metals, fruits, and nuts. Primary trade partners: UAE, China, Turkey, Switzerland, Greece. Note: Lebanon is currently facing a 'deliberate depression' with hyperinflation and a collapsing banking sector.
Military & Security
Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) consists of approximately 80,000 personnel. Doctrine is defensive, focusing on counter-terrorism and internal stability. Lebanon has no nuclear capabilities and is a signatory to the NPT. Security is heavily supplemented by UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) in the south. Hezbollah maintains a significant independent paramilitary wing, a point of domestic and international contention. United States and France are the primary providers of military aid and training to the LAF.
Recent History
The last 30 years have been marked by the end of the Civil War (Taif Agreement, 1989), the 2005 assassination of PM Rafic Hariri which led to the Cedar Revolution and the withdrawal of Syrian troops, and the 2006 war with Israel. Since 2019, Lebanon has faced a quadruple crisis: a systemic financial collapse, the COVID-19 pandemic, the catastrophic Beirut Port Blast (August 4, 2020), and ongoing political deadlock resulting in a presidential vacuum. The 2022 maritime border agreement with Israel, mediated by the US, remains a rare point of recent diplomatic progress.
International Memberships
- United Nationssince 1945
Founding member; active in the Arab Group.
- League of Arab Nationssince 1945
Founding member; focuses on regional stability and Palestine.
- Organisation Internationale de la Francophoniesince 1973
Focuses on cultural ties and development aid from France.
- Organisation of Islamic Cooperationsince 1969
Crucial for regional Islamic cooperation and solidarity.
MUN Negotiation Profile
Arab Group / G-77 / Francophonie
Pragmatic but firm on sovereignty; often acts as a bridge between Western and Arab perspectives but is constrained by internal domestic paralysis. High emphasis on international aid and 'burden sharing.'
- No permanent settlement (naturalization) of Syrian or Palestinian refugees on Lebanese soil.
- No concessions on territorial integrity involving the Shebaa Farms or maritime borders.
- No disarmament of resistance groups outside the framework of a National Defense Strategy.
- Opposition to any international interference in the confessional distribution of government roles.
- "My delegation stresses that Lebanon cannot continue to bear the disproportionate burden of the Syrian refugee crisis without sustained, unconditional international support."
- "We call for the immediate and full implementation of Resolution 1701 to ensure the sanctity of our borders and the cessation of all external violations of our sovereignty."
- "Lebanon affirms its right to explore and exploit its offshore natural resources in the Mediterranean to address our dire economic situation."
- "The international community must distinguish between the legitimate right of resistance against occupation and acts of terrorism."
- "The stability of Lebanon is the cornerstone of Mediterranean security; our collapse would trigger a regional crisis that no state can afford."