Listen "Winning Back Beirut - Fighting Corruption + Commodification"
Episode Synopsis
In the wake of the Lebanese civil war, post-war reconstruction was built around the idea that the market would fix everything. But as investors flocked into Beirut the cost of housing skyrocketed, pushing long-time residents out of the city they had fought for. Over time, architecture and heritage were lost as neighborhoods slowly emptied of residents and businesses. The Filmmaker and the Advocate sit down to speak with Mona Fawaz, Prof. of Urban Studies & Planning at the American University of Beirut to discuss how Beirut has been hijacked by predatory real estate developers and what options exist to change the tide. Now that the value of the Lebanese pound has declined by more than 80% and poverty is soaring, the vulture funds are circling and ready to pounce. Right-wing politicians are prepared to blame the issues on the country’s large refugee population. But a recent lull in development could be the window needed for the people to push back. It’s Financial Power vs. People Power in action, who will win?Produced by WG Film Recorded by Mikey JonesEdited by Hanna LeanderMusic by Florencia Di ConcilioSocial Media & Support Team - Maja Moberg, Valerie Estrina, Hanna LeanderSupport the show
More episodes of the podcast PUSHBACK Talks
Word Food: Activist burnout & Patience
11/01/2026
Word Food: Bubblegum & To be a Musk
02/01/2026
Word Food: Airbnb & Winter
26/12/2025
Word Food: Bumblebee & Nelson
17/12/2025
Word Food: Ceasefire & Madeleine
10/12/2025
Word Food: It's Possible & Black and White
03/12/2025
Word Food: Lucky & F**k Corruption
26/11/2025
Summer Word Food: Pushback & Money
27/08/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.