Lebanese Political Parties: Dream of a Republic

This book explores Lebanese political parties and their encounters with modernity, challenging the notion of them being backward or antiquated. It demonstrates that these parties represent normativities of modernity, combining historical and anthropological perspectives. Lebanese parties are taking the nation-state as their central reference point, recognizing it as the legitimate form of societal organization. The book contributes to the global debate on modernity and will be of interest to scholars in political science, political history, and the Middle East.

Format: Hardback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 20 May 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate dynamics of Lebanese political parties and their remarkable encounters with modernity. By focusing on three predominantly Christian parties as case studies, it challenges the prevailing notion that Middle Eastern parties are backward or antiquated. Through a harmonious blend of historical and anthropological perspectives, the author unveils the profound normative essence of these parties, demonstrating that they stand as beacons of modernity in the region.

Lebanese and Middle Eastern parties, often unfairly maligned, are often perceived as family-oriented, ideologically shallow, tailored solely to the leadership, and lacking in modernity. However, this book argues that the concept of the "real party" aligns with an encounter with modernity, and while these parties may exhibit certain dysfunctional aspects, they surpass their reputation.

Most notably, Lebanese political parties are placing the nation-state at the center of their discourse, recognizing it as the legitimate form of societal organization. The volume asserts that significant constituents of modernity, such as the individual, the nation, secularity, progress, and representing the people (demos), serve as valuable resources for these parties, imbuing them with utopian elements that shape their identities.

By engaging in a global dialogue on modernity, this book sheds light on the perception of Middle Eastern parties as non-modern. It will captivate scholars engaged in the fields of political science, political history, and the Middle East, offering valuable insights and perspectives.

Weight: 528g
Dimension: 160 x 243 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367647759