Lebanon part 1: How did a fragile state become a battlefield for regional powers?

Lebanon part 1: How did a fragile state become a battlefield for regional powers?

Author: The Hindu April 29, 2026 Duration: 38:11
Lebanon was once seen as a rare success story in West Asia, a country that appeared stable on the surface. However, beneath that image lay deep structural fault lines. In Part 1 of our Lebanon series at Global faultlines, we trace how a fragile post-independence system began to unravel. From the growing influence of Syria to the arrival of the Palestine Liberation Organization, Lebanon was steadily pulled into regional conflicts. We examine the impact of the Lebanese Civil War, Israel’s invasions in 1978 and 1982, and the rise of Hezbollah as a powerful force shaped by support from Iran. By the end of this episode, we ask: how did Lebanon become a frontline for regional power struggles—and what did that mean for its future? Expert: Stanly Johny, International Affairs Editor, The Hindu Research, Editing and Production: Sharmada Venkatasubramanian Camera: Shikha Kumari A, Karthik P Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Produced by The Hindu, Global Faultlines is for those who feel the daily headlines only scratch the surface. This international affairs podcast digs into the tectonic shifts happening beneath the day's events, seeking out the historical grievances, economic pressures, and ideological battles that truly explain why conflicts ignite and borders tense. Each episode is built not just on reporting, but on conversations with researchers, diplomats, and analysts who provide context often missing from the noise. You'll hear detailed examinations of power struggles in regions defining our century, from the South China Sea to the Sahel, unpacking how decisions in distant capitals ripple across the globe. The aim is to replace confusion with comprehension, offering a clearer picture of the forces sculpting our shared future. Tune in for a thoughtful, sustained look at the world’s most pressing divisions, where the analysis prioritizes depth and clarity over quick takes. This is a podcast dedicated to understanding the 'why' behind the 'what,' making sense of a complex geopolitical landscape one deep dive at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 28

Global Faultlines
Podcast Episodes
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