Moawad, Paul; (2022) Deconstructing the Lebanese-Syrian Borderscape Through Modalities of 'Waiting' and Spatio-Temporality: An Investigative Study on Informal Tented Settlements in Lebanon Along the Borderline. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

Text Paul_Moawad_PHD_20152651_BSP_Final_190422_FINAL_RD.pdf - Accepted Version Access restricted to UCL open access staff until 1 May 2024. Download (14MB)

Abstract

This research explores the liminal and contested dimensions of borders, hence addressing the notion of spatio-temporality and modalities of ‘waiting’ experienced by refugees predominantly in protracted conditions. This is conducted in the context of the Lebanese-Syrian borderscape. Perceived as marginalized territories, these spaces are continuously processed and constructed via refugees’ socio-spatial productions and relational practices. The ‘waiting’ experience along borders is neither static nor one-dimensional but rather a multidimensional construct that encompasses social and cultural exchanges. A multi-scalar and relational approach is adopted to understand the transient nature of borders and how a productive and active ‘waiting’ replaces a passive ‘waiting’ engendering coping mechanisms in relationship to time and rhythms in informal tented settlements (ITSs). The research is framed through an intersectional process examining the notion of power mechanisms (Foucault), hospitality (Derrida), spatial interrogations and rhythmic practices (Lefebvre), and a myriad of ‘waiting’ modalities, predominantly via readings of Beckett, Hage, Kafka, and Schwartz. This research addresses four research questions: how do multisectoral and power mechanisms imposed on ITSs along the Lebanese-Syrian borderscape generate repercussions on refugees’ mobilities and social integration and impede hospitality and productivity? How can an embodiment of productive and active ‘waiting’ produce a home-like feeling, a sense of place, re-enact the collective memory and enhance social communal relationships reducing fear and subordination? How can relational and collaborative participatory activities transform the in limbo state and heterotopic nature of borderscapes into a socio-spatial construct? In what ways can a critical understanding of rhythmic and spatial practices via a refugee-centred approach enhance coping mechanisms, thus transforming topophobic spaces into topophilic places? This investigation encompasses an in-depth ethnographic exercise on two ITSs in the Beqaa Governorate with several field visits, 168 semi-structured interviews and six focus groups.

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