After more than two years of a presidential vacuum, Joseph Aoun was elected as the 14th president of Lebanon on January 9th, and Nawaf Salam was appointed as the new prime minister. They received substantial support in Parliament, with Aoun securing 99 out of 128 votes and Salam receiving 84 votes. Their choice marks a pivotal moment that may signal the formation of Lebanon’s “Third Republic.” However, the country faces deep-seated challenges, including political instability, economic collapse, and weakened state institutions debilitated by endemic corruption. The new leadership inherits a country where state control has been undermined by powerful factions, including Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, and where its sovereignty is threatened by external influences and recurring Israeli aggression. Yet, with domestic and regional conditions shifting, Lebanon now has a unique opportunity to restore its sovereignty, rebuild institutions, and improve relations with key regional allies that could play a crucial role in economic recovery.

Arab Center Washington DC and the Middle East Program at the Wilson Center are co-convening a panel of experts to assess the challenges and opportunities facing Lebanon under its new leadership. Panelists will explore critical questions such as: How will Aoun and Salam implement reforms to strengthen governance and fight corruption? What economic and social reforms are necessary to stabilize the nation? How can the new government hold those responsible for corruption and misconduct accountable and restore trust in public institutions? What is the status and prospects for implementation of the provisions of the 1989 Taif Agreement regarding confessional politics and allocations? Can Lebanon regain full control over security and armed groups within its territory? How will Aoun and Salam deal with the continued Israeli occupation of areas in the south of the country? What steps will the new government take to improve relations with Arab neighbors and other global actors? How can Lebanon navigate domestic reconciliation and secure international assistance for reconstruction efforts? How can Lebanon deal with the Trump administration’s decision to halt foreign aid crucial to the Lebanese army? What are policy recommendations for the United States and European countries to help support the transition in Lebanon?