IS TURKEY A SHAPER AND MOVER IN LEBANON?

Myths and realities about Turkey’s role and influence

The AUB Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs (IFI) is pleased to announce the publication of a working paper by IFI’s new Associate Fellow Jana Jabbour, titled “Is Turkey a Shaper and Mover in Lebanon? Myths and Realities About Turkey’s Role and Influence.”

 

Turkey’s influence has been growing in Lebanon over the past few years strengthening the political ties between the two countries, advancing the economic relations and humanitarian aid, and pushing forward Turkey’s profile in Lebanon.

 

This paper examines Turkey’s interest and role in Lebanon and assesses “the drivers of Turkish foreign policy toward the country, elucidating the rationale behind Ankara’s assertiveness and active engagement in the last years.” The study also offers an overview of the achievements of Turkey in Lebanon, the challenges it encounters in proving itself as a “regional power, and a key player in the Lebanese arena”.

Jana Jabbour is a PhD in Political Science and International Relations, expert of Turkey. She has published extensively about the balance of power in the Middle East and the politics of regional powers, and has an acclaimed book about Turkey’s foreign policy in the Middle East under the rule of the Justice and Development party, published in Paris and titled La Turquie: l’invention d’une diplomatie émergente [Turkey: The Invention of an Emerging Diplomacy] (CNRS Editions, 2017). As expert of contemporary Turkey, Jana has led and contributed to research projects at various research centers in France (IFRI, CERI, IFEA). She is regularly invited to offer policy advice for European governments by taking part in hearings at the EU commission, the EU Parliament, the French Senate, and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Centre d’Analyse, de Prevision et de Strategie).

 

IFI is honored to welcome Jana as an Associate Fellow.