Shatha Dagher

[Shatha Dagher @ShathaDagher]

I have completed my registration for RCOY MENA 2026 🌍, organized by Foras Khadra, Madad for Development and the Arab Youth Summit for Climate Action, in the Sultanate of Oman.
https://t.co/Y6XLGgo1rw
#ننتظرك_في_مسقط
#Rcoy_Mena_2026

[Shatha Dagher @ShathaDagher]

In Lebanon, our defense strategy focuses mainly on the Israeli threats on our borders. This is not enough for a strategy. A well-formulated strategy assesses all possible threats and explores available opportunities.

[Shatha Dagher @ShathaDagher]

Hard power coerces. Soft power attracts. Smart power combines both.

Effective states know when to use each.
@isalamey @POLIS_LAU #softpower #hardpower #smartpower

[Shatha Dagher @ShathaDagher]

Before building a national security strategy, a state must answer:

Who are we? Where are we? Where do we want to go?

Strategy begins with honesty. We must acknowledge our current status and agree on our national interests.
@isalamey @POLIS_LAU

[Shatha Dagher @ShathaDagher]

Security requires a “whole-of-government approach”.

When ministries work in silos, national security fragments.

In Lebanon, we have strategies made by ministries independantly. We lack effective coordination.
@isalamey @POLIS_LAU

[Shatha Dagher @ShathaDagher]

Reactive policies manage crises.

Preventive strategies shape outcomes.

The difference? Vision. In Lebanon, we react; we don't prevent.

@isalamey @POLIS_LAU #securitystrategy #prevent

[Shatha Dagher @ShathaDagher]

National power isn’t just military force.

DIMEFIL: Diplomacy, Information, Military, Economy, Finance, Intelligence, and Law Enforcement

@isalamey @polis_lau #hardpower #Lebanon

[Shatha Dagher @ShathaDagher]

If a state cannot define its national interests, it cannot define its strategy.

And if it cannot define its strategy, it cannot protect its future.

Do you think Lebanon can protect its future?

@POLIS_LAU @isalamey #Lebanon #national_security

[Shatha Dagher @ShathaDagher]

National Security ≠ National Defense.

Defense is military.

Security is political, economic, social, cyber, environmental & more.

Defense is derived from security and not the other way around.

@isalamey @POLIS_LAU #nationalsecurity #Lebanon

[Shatha Dagher @ShathaDagher]

Policy without strategy is just reaction.

A nation that reacts survives day to day.

A nation with strategy shapes its future.

@isalamey @POLIS_LAU
#NationalSecurity #Strategy

[Shatha Dagher @ShathaDagher]

What would it take for Lebanon to move from reactive policies to a coherent National Security Strategy?

In a session hosted by Dr. Imad Salamey, Major General Dr. Fadi Makhoul discussed the importance of a National Security Strategy.
@isalamey @POLIS_LAU

[Shatha Dagher @ShathaDagher]

The Netherlands’Polder Model of negotiation and consensus-building offers important lessons for Lebanon where divisions often hinder progress. It emphasizes that effective governance isn’t just about policies but about how decisions are made collaboratively.
@POLIS_LAU @isalamey

[Shatha Dagher @ShathaDagher]

The Netherlands is a major donor to Lebanon, focusing on youth development, governance, human rights, and private sector growth. Their support helps Lebanon work towards stability and a brighter future for its youth and communities.
@POLIS_LAU
@isalamey

[Shatha Dagher @ShathaDagher]

But the contrasts matter too: NL is 1 electoral district while Lebanon has 15, and despite being only 3× our population, NL’s economy is about 40× larger. A powerful reminder of how governance, stability and institutions shape prosperity.

[Shatha Dagher @ShathaDagher]

Hearing Ambassador Frank Mollen speak on Tuesday showed how Lebanon and the Netherlands share more similarities than expected. Both are small, diverse countries shaped by multiple communities and coalition politics.

@POLIS_LAU
@frank_mollen
@isalamey

[Shatha Dagher @ShathaDagher]

But the contrasts matter too: NL is 1 electoral district while Lebanon has 15, and despite being only 3× our population, NL’s economy is about 40× larger.

Governance, stability and institutions shape prosperity.

[Frank Mollen @frank_mollen]

Great fun to talk to Professor @isalamey 's class of very smart students at the Lebanese American University @lebamericanuni about the Netherlands, Lebanon, diplomacy and the complicated world that we live in at the moment

[Shatha Dagher @ShathaDagher]

This really resonated with me.

I’ve long believed that if we integrate democratic values and national identity in Lebanon’s curriculum, future generations may one day practice democracy beyond sectarian lines. 🇱🇧

التربية قبل التغيير السياسي.

[Shatha Dagher @ShathaDagher]

Dr. Rizkallah differentiated between training and dissemination:

1- Training builds skills.
2- Dissemination shapes behavior and awareness.

The Lebanese Army visits schools, teaches students about human rights and law, and prepares future soldiers and citizens alike. 🎓👮‍♂️

[Shatha Dagher @ShathaDagher]

An inspiring, thought-provoking session blending law, ethics, and human rights.

Lebanon’s army may be unique in the region: not for its strength, but for its ongoing humanization.

#LAU #LebaneseArmy #HumanRights #IHL

[Shatha Dagher @ShathaDagher]

Yesterday at #LAU, Brigadier General Ziad Rizkallah, Head of the IHL & Human Rights Directorate in the Lebanese Army, delivered an eye-opening talk on human rights, law, and military ethics. 🇱🇧
Part of LAU’s Guest Speaker Series. 🧵

[Shatha Dagher @ShathaDagher]

He also reflected on the limits of international law: there’s no true global enforcer.

As realists would say, anarchy defines the system; compliance depends on states’ will, not world authority. 🌍⚖️