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 Islam Through Western Eyes by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book Animalia Americana by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book Gay Fiction Speaks by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book Exception Taken by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book The Awakened Ones by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book Cut-Pieces by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book Research Techniques for Clinical Social Workers by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book Shifting Sands by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book The Dalai Lama and the Emperor of China by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book Adorno's Theory of Philosophical and Aesthetic Truth by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book The Ethical Economy by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book Time and the Generations by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book Queer Terror by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book Debating Race, Ethnicity, and Latino Identity by Samir Khalaf
Cover of the book Acts of God and Man 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