Contesting Neoliberalism: Urban Resistance and the Socio-Spatial Dynamics of Nahr Beirut

Abstract

This study investigates the socio-spatial dynamics of Nahr Beirut, a frequently overlooked yet significant part of Beirut’s urban landscape. Drawing on Henri Lefebvre’s concept of 'representational spaces,' the research explores how neoliberal urban policies have influenced the riverbanks, mainly through profit-driven development that has marginalized local communities. The study examines six regions along the Nahr Beirut River, uncovering indirect forms of resistance that residents actively employ to challenge these neoliberal interventions. Indirect resistance is demonstrated through community-driven practices such as workshops, graffiti, and architectural modifications that question top-down urban policies. The research reveals a complex interplay between neoliberal urbanization and grassroots resistance, illustrating how marginalized communities assert their right to the city in the face of socioeconomic and political challenges. By focusing on the everyday practices of urban resistance, the study contributes to the ongoing discourse on how communities can reclaim urban spaces to safeguard their social and cultural identity. While the study is geographically confined to the Nahr Beirut area, it underscores the potential for future urban policy changes that could reshape the dynamics of resistance and development. The research advocates for a more inclusive, community-centered approach to urban planning that harmonizes economic growth with social equity and environmental sustainability.