Institute of Social Studies Graduate School of Development Studies CAPTURING THE STATE: A POLITICAL ECONOMY OF LEBANON'S PUBLIC DEBT CRISIS 1992-2004 A Research Paper presented by: SAMER SROUJI (LEBANON) In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Obtaining the Degree of: Master of Arts in Development Studies Specialisation: International Political Economy and Development Members of the Examining Committee: Prof. Richard Robison Dr. Karel Jansen The Hague, The Netherlands December 2005 This document represents part of the author's study programme while at the Institute of Social Studies; the views stated therein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Institute. Research papers and theses are not made available for outside circulation by the Institute. Enquires: Postal Address: Institute of Social Studies P.O. Box 29776 2502 LT, The Hague The Netherlands Telephone: -31-70-4260460 Telefax: -31-70-4260799 e-mail:
[email protected] Location: Kortenaerkade 12 2518 AX, The Hague The Netherlands Then the traveller walked on, wondering in his heart. And he met a very old man, and saluting him he said, "Sir, upon this road I have met three men who live in the neighborhood and I have asked each of them about this field, and each one denied what the other had said, and each one told me a new tale that the other had not told." Then the old man raised his head, and answered, "My friend, each and everyone of these men told you what was indeed so; but few of us are able to add fact to different fact and make a truth thereof." Khalil Gibran, Lebanese Poet, The Wanderer, "The Field of Zaad, " 1932.