On February 27, the Department of Political Science and International Affairs concluded its 27-Minute Lecture Series with a thought-provoking talk by Mr. Ramzi el Hafez, publisher of Lebanon Opportunities and a prominent figure in the Lebanese business community. Co-hosted by the Faculty of Business and Management, the lecture explored the intricate relationship between politics, governance, and business behavior in Lebanon. Dean Karim Rebeiz of the Faculty of Business and Management introduced Mr. El Hafez, setting the stage for a discussion that shed light on the challenges facing Lebanon’s economic and political landscape.

Mr. El Hafez began by expressing cautious optimism about recent signs of economic improvement in the country. However, he tempered his enthusiasm with a sobering analysis of the structural issues plaguing Lebanon’s governance. He emphasized that the business community in Lebanon wields little to no influence over government policy, a stark contrast to industrialized nations where large corporations, business groups, and labor unions play a significant role in shaping political decisions and influencing the electorate.

“In Lebanon, politicians are not attentive to the interests of the business community,” Mr. El Hafez stated. He pointed out that despite the seismic events that have shaken the country since 2017, including economic collapse and widespread protests, the political forces in power have remained largely unchanged. This stagnation, he argued, has created an environment where business success or failure is irrelevant to policymakers, who operate without regard for the private sector’s needs or contributions.

Mr. El Hafez also addressed the recent election of a new president and appointment of a prime minister, urging the public to temper their expectations. While he acknowledged that both leaders are respectable, honest, and genuinely committed to improving the country, he cautioned that their efforts would be constrained by the entrenched political system. “The overarching environment will limit anyone’s ability to enact meaningful change,” he said, highlighting the systemic barriers that hinder progress.

The lecture concluded with a call for greater collaboration between Lebanon’s political and business sectors. Mr. El Hafez stressed that without a fundamental shift in governance, the country’s economic recovery would remain elusive. His insights resonated deeply with the audience, leaving them with much to ponder about the future of Lebanon’s political and economic landscape



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