Publication

This paper contends that Lebanon is facing an economic crisis with little chance of aid from Western or Arab countries. With the US’ continued stance on sanctions and its block on reconstruction aid for Syria, the author contends China is stepping in with Belt and Road Initiative-related investments that provide much-needed economic relief in the region. As a result, Washington’s fears of waning US influence in the Middle East and North Africa, including Lebanon, may not be realized by as a consequence of troop levels or Hezbollah’s looking to China. Instead, in the face of pressing regional security and economic woes, and a need for infrastructure, investment and trade, this may result from Washington’s continued dismissal of regional stakeholders’ interests.