STUDY Lebanon: The Predecessor of the Arab Spring? The Youth is Sceptical but not Desperate FES MENA Youth Study: Country Analysis Lebanon STEPHAN ROSINY April 2018 n Lebanon experienced its own»Arab Spring« in March 2005, when the then govern­ment was overthrown by mass protests. The country continues to suffer from the ensuing political polarization and the blockade of state institutions. In particular, the youth is disappointed by their politicians and disillusioned with regard to the overthrow of the regime. This may explain their great scepticism about the uphe­avals of the»Arab Spring« of 2011 and its varied consequences, including the civil war in Syria. n In other ways too, Lebanon plays a pioneering role in the region. Economic self­initiative and family cohesion have always played a crucial role in individual life planning – factors that have only become more relevant in the other Arab countries since the crisis of the neo-patrimonial supply states. n The FES MENA youth study shows that, despite disappointment in parliamentary practice, democracy enjoys a high approval rate among Lebanese youths. Despite their frustrations over their politicians, Lebanon‘s young people are very interested in politics.