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Changing Security:Theoretical and Practical Discussions Durham E-Theses Changing Security:Theoretical and Practical Discussions. The Case of Lebanon. SMAIRA, DIMA How to cite: SMAIRA, DIMA (2014) Changing Security:Theoretical and Practical Discussions. The Case of Lebanon. , Durham theses, Durham University. Available at Durham E-Theses Online: http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/10810/ Use policy The full-text may be used and/or reproduced, and given to third parties in any format or medium, without prior permission or charge, for personal research or study, educational, or not-for-prot purposes provided that: • a full bibliographic reference is made to the original source • a link is made to the metadata record in Durham E-Theses • the full-text is not changed in any way The full-text must not be sold in any format or medium without the formal permission of the copyright holders. Please consult the full Durham E-Theses policy for further details. Academic Support Oce, Durham University, University Oce, Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HP e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +44 0191 334 6107 http://etheses.dur.ac.uk 2 Changing Security: Theoretical and Practical Discussions. The Case of Lebanon. Dima Smaira Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations. School of Government and International Affairs Durham University 2014 i Abstract This study is concerned with security; particularly security in Lebanon. It is also equally concerned with various means to improve security. Building on debates at the heart of world politics and Security Studies, this study first discusses trends in global governance, in the study of security, and in security assistance to post-conflict or developing countries. It pays particular attention to the theoretical contributions of critical security studies, the conceptual contributions of human security, and the policy-relevant contributions of Security Sector Reform. It then moves on to examine the case of Lebanon, with particular emphasis on that country’s precarious security. It examines Lebanon’s problematic prevailing system and highlights efforts of progressive groups in transforming Lebanon’s system. Importantly, it also studies Lebanon’s security sector: both contemporary developments and historical circumstances that led up to its chronic weakness. In doing so, this study examines international aid efforts to Lebanon’s security sector, and problematizes both external and domestic roles in the reform process. This study draws links between debates and experience taking place at various levels and the security of Lebanon. It argues for a transformative process to achieve stability and human security in Lebanon. In light of this, this study is in favour of a progressive approach combining state and non-state actors – thus recommending an institutional approach that is responsive to bottom-up voices of positive change. Nevertheless, this study’s scope is limited; it therefore puts forward suggestions and recommendations which involve Lebanon’s security sector and which can positively contribute to human security. i Declaration I hereby declare that: “this thesis is the result of my own work. Material from published or unpublished work of others which is used in the thesis is credited to the author in question in the text”. Dima Smaira 17/9/2014 ii Statement of Copyright “The copyright of this thesis rests with the author. No quotation from it should be published without the author's prior written consent and information derived from it should be acknowledged.” iii Acknowledgement The journey of a PhD is, in many ways, a rewarding one; but it is also filled with various kinds of challenges and it is very rarely accomplished without help and support. Therefore, I would like to thank the individuals who have made it possible for me to see this journey through. I would like to thank my supervisor, Dr Christopher Davidson, for his continuous support, guidance and valuable feedback. I would also like to express my deep-felt gratitude to my parents and brother for encouraging me and providing me with the opportunity to pursue this PhD. To my aunt freddy, I am grateful for the friendly voice. To my friends in Lebanon—Maya, Rafic, and Elsa—I am grateful for your long- distance and ever-present support. Karen, your occasional cards and phone calls always brightened up my day. My experience in the lovely town of Durham would not bear such a positive meaning had it not been shared with a number of people. So, thank you to my family in Durham: Late-night gym sessions and home cooked dinners with Shiler, girlie talks with Sana’, working the tutor dinners with Luke, discussions with Una, Anastasios’ friendly face in the kitchen, and the ‘British experience’ through Durham University’s Basketball team alleviated the solitude that characterises a PhD journey. Malek, I found in you the support of a brother; and Liz, that of a sister. Our adventures in the North East will not be forgotten! Marc Jones, thanks for encouraging me to live the moment and to re- appreciate the social world. Last, but certainly not least, Michael Thate, thank you ‘buddy’ for your dear friendship, and for helping me grapple with and grasp the academic life. It is with great sadness that we part ways but I am grateful to have shared this experience with you all. And, to the next chapter in my life: I look forward to what you bring! iv Table of Contents LIST OF FIGURES ..............................................................................................................................VIII INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 1 1) BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................................ 1 2) RATIONALE AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS.............................................................................................. 5 CHAPTER 1: METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK .......................................................................... 8 I- RESEARCH METHODS .................................................................................................................... 8 II- RESEARCH DESIGN ..................................................................................................................... 11 1) Data collection .................................................................................................................. 11 2) Data analysis ..................................................................................................................... 12 3) Reliability and validity .................................................................................................... 13 4) Sampling ............................................................................................................................ 14 5) The Interviews .................................................................................................................. 17 6) Ethical considerations ..................................................................................................... 21 7) Limitations and lessons learned .................................................................................... 23 CHAPTER 2: CONTEXTUALIZING SECURITY: GOVERNANCE ..................................................... 27 1) International Society ....................................................................................................... 28 2) The Role of Non-State Actors........................................................................................... 30 3) Revisiting Sovereignty ..................................................................................................... 33 4) Revisiting the Role of the State ....................................................................................... 35 5) Defining Governance ........................................................................................................ 38 6) Governance vs. Government............................................................................................ 40 7) Critique of Governance .................................................................................................... 42 8) A tool for progressive change? ....................................................................................... 46 CHAPTER 3: SECURITY ................................................................................................................. 50 I. SECURITY: A THEORETICAL DISCUSSION ..................................................................................... 51 1) The Transformation ......................................................................................................... 51 2) Traditional vs. non-traditional approaches ................................................................. 60 3) A final debate? .................................................................................................................. 72 4) A stance on ‘security’ ........................................................................................................ 74 II. HUMAN SECURITY: A CONCEPTUAL DISCUSSION .......................................................................... 76 1) Overview ............................................................................................................................ 76 2) An Integrated approach .................................................................................................
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