War Is Coming: Between Past and Future Violence in Lebanon

Lebanon experienced a long war from 1975 to 1990, and the peace agreement that followed did not address the root causes of the conflict. Since then, the country has been entangled in various forms of political violence. In his book "War Is Coming," Sami Hermez argues that the country's political leaders have enabled the continuation of violence and examines how people live between these periods of conflict. Hermez's ethnographic study of everyday life in Lebanon between 2006 and 2009 reveals how people engage in practices of recollecting past war while anticipating future turmoil. He highlights the impact of protracted conflict on people's everyday experiences and the way people anticipate political violence, calling for alternative paths to sustaining political and social life in Lebanon.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 280 pages
\n Publication date: 07 May 2021
\n Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press
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Lebanon endured a protracted conflict from 1975 to 1990, involving numerous national and international actors. The subsequent peace agreement, intended to usher the country into a postwar era, failed to address the underlying causes of the war or hold the primary actors accountable. Instead, a politics of "no victor, no vanquished" emerged, where the political elite chose to relegate the conflict to the past. However, since then, Lebanon has continued to grapple with various forms of political violence, including car bombings, assassinations, and renewed outbreaks of armed conflict.

In his book "War Is Coming," Sami Hermez argues that the country's political leaders have facilitated the continuation of violence. He explores how individuals navigate these periods of conflict and examines the daily conversations, practices, and experiences during these times. Hermez conducts an ethnographic study of everyday life in Lebanon between 2006 and 2009, shedding light on how people engage in practices of recollecting past wars while anticipating future turmoil. Through his meticulous analysis, Hermez demonstrates how social interactions and political relationships with the state unfold, challenging our understanding of memory and violence. He highlights the living and spontaneous memories that refuse to forget the past, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and addressing the impact of protracted conflict on people's everyday lives and their anticipation of political violence.

"War Is Coming" offers a poignant insight into the lives of individuals living in a country perpetually plagued by conflict. It sheds light on the ways in which even ordinary conversations can turn into discussions about both past and future unrest. By delving into the details of everyday life, the book highlights the urgency of finding alternative solutions to address the root causes of violence and promote long-term stability. Hermez's work contributes to a growing body of literature that seeks to understand the complexities of conflict and promote peacebuilding efforts in regions affected by violence.

\n Weight: 428g\n
Dimension: 166 x 228 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780812224887\n \n