Why Did the October 17 Revolution Witness a Regression in Numbers?

 
Introduction
 
The October 17 revolution began with a huge momentum and a great desire for change. Protests and large-scale mobilizations led to the resignation of the government headed by Saad Hariri, which grouped most of the political parties that have ruled Lebanon for decades, something considered to be one of the successes of the October 17 revolution. A year later, Hariri is back in effect. This dramatic return follows the August 4 explosion in Beirut’s port that resulted in thousands of casualties and over 200 deaths. More than ever, It is important now, more than ever, to reflect critically on the October 17 revolution, understand how it is evolving, and what events led to the present moment.
 
On October 17, 2020, LCPS launched the first of a series of pieces asking social scientists with leading or active roles in the uprising to take stock of the October 17 revolution and the path ahead. We asked all contributors the same questions, which centered around the movement’s main accomplishments, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the August 4 explosion on mobilization, as well as the challenges and opportunities ahead. Their answers to each question are released in an article format.
 
After addressing the revolution’s top accomplishments (http://lcps-lebanon.org/agendaArticle.php?id=197) in our�