Saraya, Reem2019-08-152019-08-152019http://hdl.handle.net/10393/39511https://doi.org/10.20381/ruor-23754This paper seeks to examine the securitization of Syrian refugees in Lebanon by using securitization theory with a sociological approach, to determine the extent and success of securitization of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war and mass migration of Syrians in 2011. By analyzing Lebanese history and context, and the securitizing speech acts and policy performed by government and media, the extent, success, and impact of securitization of Syrian refugees in Lebanon is demonstrated. The lack of comprehensive migration policy by the Lebanese government in combination with the greater political objectives of Lebanese politicians, has created an environment of highly politicized and securitized rhetoric regarding Syrian refugees. The collective history and current day context of life in Lebanon has made the Lebanese public highly receptive to such narratives, ultimately facilitating the continuance of such discourse throughout Lebanese social and political arenas. This research finds that the securitization of Syrian refugees in Lebanon has been quite successful due to the overlap and intersection of several sociocultural and historical factors, along with the dynamic between different actors in the securitization process. This paper concludes that despite the framing of Syrian refugees as social and national security threats, the securitization of this population is largely performed by political elite for greater political purposes, rather than legitimate concern for security. The Government of Lebanon has effectively used Syrian refugees as a scapegoat for social malcontent surrounding longstanding governance and development issues, and has leveraged its role as a host to secure international funding.enResearch Paper