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Dr. Elie Elias

University Lecturer & Political Historian
Dr. Elie Elias

University Lecturer & Political Historian

- Hezbollah’s human shield strategy
  
  As conflict intensifies, Lebanese civilians are increasingly exposed to danger as military activity becomes embedded within populated areas.
  
  As conflict intensifies, Lebanese civilians are increasingly exposed to danger as military activity becomes embedded within populated areas.
  
  March 20, 2026
- The May 17 Agreement: Lebanon’s lost moment of sovereignty
  
  The story of the May 17, 1983 agreement, when Lebanon briefly tried to reclaim control over its borders and diplomacy before regional pressures closed the window for sovereign decision-making.
  
  The story of the May 17, 1983 agreement, when Lebanon briefly tried to reclaim control over its borders and diplomacy before regional pressures closed the window for sovereign decision-making.
  
  March 16, 2026
- Weapon, doctrine, power: Inside Hezbollah's legal status
  
  The legal and constitutional dilemma surrounding Hezbollah’s status in Lebanon, arguing that its military and political structures are inseparable and challenging the state’s ability to enforce sovereignty under existing law.
  
  The legal and constitutional dilemma surrounding Hezbollah’s status in Lebanon, arguing that its military and political structures are inseparable and challenging the state’s ability to enforce sovereignty under existing law.
  
  March 05, 2026
- Lebanon’s history of postponed elections
  
  Lebanon’s history of parliamentary extensions shows how war, deadlock, and regional influence have repeatedly delayed elections, putting democratic legitimacy and the 2026 vote at risk.
  
  Lebanon’s history of parliamentary extensions shows how war, deadlock, and regional influence have repeatedly delayed elections, putting democratic legitimacy and the 2026 vote at risk.
  
  February 20, 2026
- A turning point in Lebanese Christian politics
  
  The 1967 Tripartite Alliance united major Christian parties around sovereignty and constitutional politics, marking a rare moment of institutional unity before Lebanon’s civil war.
  
  The 1967 Tripartite Alliance united major Christian parties around sovereignty and constitutional politics, marking a rare moment of institutional unity before Lebanon’s civil war.
  
  February 15, 2026
- From constitutional promise to institutional paralysis: Lebanon’s unfinished state
  
  Lebanon’s constitutional framework, shaped by Taëf, now fuels paralysis, exposing the urgent need for structural reform.
  
  A century-old constitution struggles to govern Lebanon, as sectarian power-sharing undermines sovereignty and accountability.
  
  January 30, 2026
- The political culture behind Lebanon’s constitution
  
  Far from a revolutionary rupture, Lebanon’s 1926 Constitution was shaped by cautious institutional design, confessional balance, and a deep commitment to republican accountability.
  
  Far from a revolutionary rupture, Lebanon’s 1926 Constitution was shaped by cautious institutional design, confessional balance, and a deep commitment to republican accountability.
  
  January 16, 2026
- A throwback to the 1949 Lebanese Israeli armistice
  
  How Lebanon negotiated with restraint and authority in 1949.
  
  Lebanon’s 1949 armistice shows the country once acted as a sovereign state.
  
  December 19, 2025
- When militias rule, treaties fail: Revisiting the May 17 agreement
  
  The May 17, 1983 agreement shows that Lebanon cannot negotiate or enforce any deal without full state authority and a monopoly over armed force.
  
  The May 17, 1983 Agreement shows that Lebanon cannot negotiate or enforce any deal without full state authority and a monopoly over armed force.
  
  December 11, 2025
- The political culture of Lebanon’s Maronite Christians: Between freedom, coexistence, and statehood
  
  Rooted in history and resistance, Maronite political thought continues to guide Lebanon’s pursuit of sovereignty, democracy, and pluralism.
  
  Lebanon’s Maronite political culture, shaped by centuries of struggle, emphasizes freedom, coexistence, sovereignty, and a shared national identity.
  
  November 28, 2025
- Between a successful Pact and failed practice: Why Lebanon needs an updated National Pact?
  
  Lebanon’s National Pact has failed, requiring a new power-sharing formula for political survival.
  
  Lebanon’s National Pact has failed, requiring a new power-sharing formula for political survival.
  
  November 21, 2025