Citizen Hariri: Lebanon's Neo-Liberal Reconstruction

by Hannes Baumann

Rafiq Hariri was Lebanon's Silvio a 'self-made' billionaire who became prime minister and shaped postwar reconstruction. His assassination in February 2005 almost tipped the country into civil strife. Yet Hariri was neither a militia leader nor from a traditional political family. How did this outsider rise to wield such immense political and economic power?

Citizen Hariri shows how the billionaire converted his wealth and close ties to the Saudi monarchy into political power. Hariri is used as a prism to examine how changes in global neoliberalism reshaped Lebanese politics. He initiated urban megaprojects and inflated the banking sector. And having grown rich as a contractor in the Gulf, he turned Lebanon into an outlet for Gulf capital. The concentration of wealth and the restructuring of the postwar Lebanese state were comparable to the effects of neoliberalism elsewhere. But at the same time, Hariri was a deeply Lebanese figure. He had to fend against militia leaders and a hostile Syrian regime. The billionaire outsider eventually came to behave like a traditional Lebanese political patron.

Hannes Baumann assesses not only the personal legacy of the man dubbed 'Mr Lebanon' but charts the wider social and economic transformations his rise represented.

Genres: Lebanon, History, Nonfiction, Politics

256 pages, Hardcover

Published June 1, 2017

Reviews

[H KiLas · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this compelling book, the author skillfully navigates Lebanon's post-civil war political and economic landscape, vividly capturing the life and legacy of the formidable Lebanese figure, Rafik Hariri. The narrative delves into a pivotal era marked by the emergence of a new class of Lebanese elites, particularly the Gulf emigres millionaires, whose return to Lebanon signaled a significant shift in the country's power dynamics. Central to this transformation was Hariri, who emerged as the most influential and successful figure among this new class.

The book meticulously traces Hariri's ascent during the tumultuous civil war, examining how he wielded control over Lebanon's economic landscape in the aftermath. Hariri's strategic vision rested on two key pillars: the reconstruction of Beirut's center and the Lebanese peg to the US dollar. However, the author astutely observes that these initiatives primarily aimed to appease investors rather than foster social welfare for the entire Lebanese population.

A notable feature of the book is the author's adept handling of the subject matter. Whether dissecting the intricacies of Lebanese politics or navigating the complexities of economic policies, the author maintains a remarkable level of detail and clarity. The narrative alternates seamlessly between chapters focused on politics and economics, offering a comprehensive understanding of Hariri's multifaceted impact on Lebanon.

As the reader immerses themselves in the book, the timing becomes particularly poignant. Against the backdrop of Lebanon's worst economic and financial crisis, exacerbated by the collapse of a system largely engineered by Hariri himself, the author's conclusions and criticisms gain profound validation. Reading this book during such a critical juncture provides a chilling perspective on the repercussions of Hariri's policies and reinforces the prescience of Hannes Baumann's insightful analysis.

[Mano Chil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an important book to read about post-war Lebanon and how politics worked out. No book comes close to explaining how Rafiq Hariri paid his way to execute his neo-liberal policies.

My conclusion from the book is that after Paris II Conference, Lebanon has been on a life tube thanks to Saudi Arabia funds and buying of T-Bills. If and whenever KSA decides to unplug that tube, Lebanon would go into a financial disaster thanks to its over-borrowing policy, and its total expenses being way larger than its total income.

[Sherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although we are taught to neglect any sources written by ‘the white man,’ I thoroughly enjoyed this thesis, and I felt that it considered all perspectives relating to the historic and contemporary Lebanese political climate. You may not discover any groundbreaking ideas about Harriri’s impact on the current crisis. However, If you are looking for a beginners guide that is heavily referenced and researched then consider reading this book to kick off your political journey.

[Ali Hoteit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing we don’t already know about Hariri and have heard about over and over and over again.

[Meri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would definitely get a 4-star if only it had a meticulous round of editing and restructuring of content.