The social movement theory was being developed over a long period of time and still is, as an interdisciplinary study of the social sciences. Many scientists as well as scholars used this theory in order to explain why mobilization occurs, the emergence of movements, their revolutionary characteristics in general and the different types of movements in their different stages in specific.
It deals with the political opportunity structure and constraints for a movement within a system or regime, the existing resources for a movement or its members to mobilize for their or its claims and last but not least the framing of its goals and demands in order to gain as much support as possible from the public and political sphere.
Furthermore subject of these studies is the effect and the outcomes of mass mobilization and collective action on social, political and cultural spheres. There are different perspectives, in which e.g. the political opportunity structure is used as a variable to examine the social developments and the political outcomes and consequences. As the most important scholars who laid the framework for the today known theory have to be named Charles Tilly, Sidney Tarrow, Michael Mann, Doug McAdam.
Table of Contents
- Outline of the Social Movement Theory, Specified on the Political Opportunity Structure
- Political Opportunity Structure in Lebanon
- Opportunities and Threats
- The Political System of Lebanon
- Turning Point 2000: Emerging Opportunities
- Change of External Factors in the Region
- Syrian Predominance in Lebanon: Closure of the System and Loss of Legitimacy
- Withdrawal of the IDF and death of Ḥāfiz al-Asad: Opening New Opportunities
- External Factors and their Impact on Internal Affairs
- September 11 2001 and USA's War on Terrorism: Syria Becomes an Enemy
- International Community: UN Resolution 1559
- Change of Internal Factors: Availability of Allies and Foreign Powers
- Challenging the Syrian Presence: Culminated in the Cedar Revolution
- Internal: Émile Laḥḥūd and Rafiq al-Ḥarīrī
- The Military Power Network around President Laḥḥūd and Syria
- Withdrawal of Syrian Forces from Lebanon
- The Economic and Political Power Network around Rafiq al-Ḥarīrī
- Assassination of Rafīq al-Ḥarīrī and Emerging Protests: Splits in Elites and Trigger of the Independence Intifada
- Pro-Syrian March 8 Movement
- Anti-Syrian March 14 Alliance
- Protests and New Coalition-Building in Opposition to Elites Affiliated with Syria and Western Powers
- Internal: Émile Laḥḥūd and Rafiq al-Ḥarīrī
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
The text aims to analyze the impact of external factors on the internal political opportunity structure in Lebanon, specifically from the withdrawal of the Israeli forces in 2000 until the Cedar Revolution in 2005. It examines the evolving political landscape in Lebanon, considering the role of the Syrian presence, the regional situation, and the international community.
- The political opportunity structure in Lebanon
- The influence of external factors on the internal political opportunity structure
- The impact of the Syrian presence on Lebanese politics
- The role of the international community in Lebanon's internal affairs
- The emergence and development of the Cedar Revolution
Chapter Summaries
The first chapter provides an overview of the social movement theory, focusing on the political opportunity structure and its application to understanding political mobilization. It highlights key concepts such as framing, mobilizing, and the interplay of opportunities and threats in shaping the political landscape.
The second chapter delves into the political opportunity structure in Lebanon, examining opportunities and constraints for political actors. It analyzes the Lebanese political system and its complexities, highlighting the influence of external factors, particularly the Syrian presence, on the internal political landscape.
The third chapter focuses on the role of external factors in shaping Lebanon's political opportunity structure. It examines the impact of the withdrawal of the Israeli forces in 2000, the September 11 attacks and the ensuing "War on Terror", and the role of the international community, including UN Resolution 1559. This chapter also analyzes the influence of internal factors, including the availability of allies and the emergence of splits within the Lebanese elite.
The fourth chapter explores the challenges to the Syrian presence in Lebanon, culminating in the Cedar Revolution. It examines the role of internal actors, particularly Émile Laḥḥūd and Rafiq al-Ḥarīrī, in shaping the political landscape. The chapter also discusses the assassination of Rafiq al-Ḥarīrī, the emergence of protests, and the formation of the March 8 and March 14 political alliances.
Keywords
The text focuses on the key concepts of political opportunity structure, social movement theory, external factors, Syrian presence, Lebanon, Cedar Revolution, political mobilization, international community, and regional politics.
- Quote paper
- Sebastian Voit (Author), 2013, Cedar Revolution 2005. Social Movement Theory and Political Opportunity Structure in Lebanon, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/301243
