Civil and Uncivil Violence in Lebanon

A History of the Internationalization of Communal Conflict

Nonfiction, History, Middle East, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, International, International Relations
Cover of the book Civil and Uncivil Violence in Lebanon by Samir Khalaf, Columbia University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Samir Khalaf ISBN: 9780231505369
Publisher: Columbia University Press Publication: April 18, 2002
Imprint: Columbia University Press Language: English
Author: Samir Khalaf
ISBN: 9780231505369
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Publication: April 18, 2002
Imprint: Columbia University Press
Language: English

In this long-awaited work, Samir Khalaf analyzes the history of civil strife and political violence in Lebanon and reveals the inherent contradictions that have plagued that country and made it so vulnerable to both inter-Arab and superpower rivalries. How did a

fairly peaceful and resourceful society, with an impressive history of viable

pluralism, coexistence, and republicanism, become the site of so much

barbarism and incivility? Khalaf argues that historically internal grievances have been magnified or deflected to become the source of international conflict. From the beginning, he shows, foreign interventions have consistently exacerbated internal problems.

Lebanon's fragmented political culture is a byproduct of two general features. First, it reflects the traditional forces and political conflicts caused by striking differences in religious beliefs and communal and sectarian loyalties that continue to split the society and reinforce its factional character. Second, and superimposed on these, are new forms of socioeconomic and cultural stress caused by Lebanon's role in the continuing international conflicts in the region.

Khalaf concludes that Lebanon is now at a crossroads in its process of political and social transformation, and proposes some strategies to re-create a vibrant civil and political culture that can accommodate profound transformations in the internal, domestic sphere as well as mediate developments taking place internationally. Throughout, Khalaf demonstrates how the internal and external currents must be considered simultaneously in order to understand the complex and tragic history of the country. This deeply considered and subtle analysis of the interplay of complex historical forces helps us to imagine a viable future not only for Lebanon but also for the Middle East as a whole.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In this long-awaited work, Samir Khalaf analyzes the history of civil strife and political violence in Lebanon and reveals the inherent contradictions that have plagued that country and made it so vulnerable to both inter-Arab and superpower rivalries. How did a

fairly peaceful and resourceful society, with an impressive history of viable

pluralism, coexistence, and republicanism, become the site of so much

barbarism and incivility? Khalaf argues that historically internal grievances have been magnified or deflected to become the source of international conflict. From the beginning, he shows, foreign interventions have consistently exacerbated internal problems.

Lebanon's fragmented political culture is a byproduct of two general features. First, it reflects the traditional forces and political conflicts caused by striking differences in religious beliefs and communal and sectarian loyalties that continue to split the society and reinforce its factional character. Second, and superimposed on these, are new forms of socioeconomic and cultural stress caused by Lebanon's role in the continuing international conflicts in the region.

Khalaf concludes that Lebanon is now at a crossroads in its process of political and social transformation, and proposes some strategies to re-create a vibrant civil and political culture that can accommodate profound transformations in the internal, domestic sphere as well as mediate developments taking place internationally. Throughout, Khalaf demonstrates how the internal and external currents must be considered simultaneously in order to understand the complex and tragic history of the country. This deeply considered and subtle analysis of the interplay of complex historical forces helps us to imagine a viable future not only for Lebanon but also for the Middle East as a whole.

More books from Columbia University Press

Cover of the book Dreaming of Cockaigne by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book Reassembling Motherhood by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book The Uses of Paradox by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book Visions of the Apocalypse by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book The Future of Religion by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book On Sexuality and Power by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book Triadic Coercion by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book The Sense and Non-Sense of Revolt by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book The Return of Bipolarity in World Politics by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book Spectral Nationality by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book Chinese History and Culture by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book Child Welfare for the Twenty-first Century by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book The Present as History by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book The Quest for Security by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book City Folk and Country Folk by Samir Khalaf
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy