Author: Rachid Al Bitar
Date: 22-01-2026
In October 2025, I had the opportunity to carry out a Short Term Scientific Mission within the framework of COST Action CA21133. From 15 to 29 October, I was hosted in Slovenia, where I worked closely with colleagues from the GLITSS network on a comparative research project examining the role of non-state actors in illicit trade in Lebanon and Europe.
Beyond being an academically productive period, my stay in Slovenia was an intense and enriching experience both intellectually and personally. It offered the time, space, and collaborative environment needed to step back from single country analysis and think more comparatively about illicit economies, governance, and cross border dynamics.
Why Non State Actors Matter
The core aim of my STSM was to investigate how non state actors such as armed groups, clan based networks, and transnational criminal organizations shape illicit trade flows. Lebanon’s geopolitical position, porous borders, and prolonged financial and governance crises make it a particularly revealing case. Illicit activities ranging from drug trafficking and arms smuggling to counterfeit goods and human trafficking have become deeply embedded in local economies.
During my stay in Slovenia, I worked on systematically mapping these actors in Lebanon and comparing them with those operating along the so called Balkan route into Europe. While both regions host highly organized criminal networks, an important difference quickly emerged. In Lebanon, illicit trade is often closely intertwined with political and military structures, whereas in the Balkan context it is more directly profit driven and embedded in transnational criminal markets.
Comparative Insights from the Balkan Context
One of the major benefits of being based in Slovenia was access to regional expertise, policy material, and ongoing debates on illicit economies in Southeast Europe. These exchanges helped sharpen my comparative framework and highlighted key similarities and contrasts.
In both Lebanon and the Balkans, weak governance, corruption, and porous borders enable illicit flows. However, Lebanon exhibits more entrenched forms of hybrid governance, where non state actors may cooperate with, replace, or directly compete against state authorities. While Europe benefits from stronger legal frameworks and EU supported enforcement mechanisms, informal practices and negotiated coexistence between state and criminal actors still persist in parts of the region.
These discussions were invaluable in refining my understanding of how illicit trade adapts to different regulatory and political environments.
Outputs, Collaboration, and What Comes Next
During the STSM, I began drafting a comparative analytical report and a research article focusing on governance challenges and transparency mechanisms. I also developed the structure for a future policy brief aimed at translating academic findings into practical recommendations.
Equally important was the networking and capacity building aspect of the mission. Being physically present in Slovenia allowed me to engage deeply with fellow researchers, strengthen my integration into the GLITSS network, and improve my skills in comparative research and academic writing.
Looking ahead, I plan to finalize and disseminate these outputs, present preliminary findings at upcoming workshops or conferences, and explore opportunities for joint research with colleagues I connected with during my stay.
Final Reflections
This STSM confirmed the added value of short term mobility for academic research. My time in Slovenia was not just about producing outputs. It was about exchanging perspectives, testing assumptions, and situating local case studies within broader regional and international dynamics. I leave this experience with stronger collaborations, clearer research directions, and a renewed appreciation for the importance of comparative approaches when studying illicit economies.
