Winning Lebanon: Youth Politics, Populism, and the Production of Sectarian Violence, 1920-1958

In the mid-twentieth century, youth movements in Lebanon shaped their identities through music, clothing, and activities. Dylan Baun's book "Winning Lebanon" explores the political and cultural history of these organizations from the 1920s to 1950s, highlighting their significant role in the modern Middle East.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 22 October 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In the mid-twentieth century, youth movements swept across the globe, captivating the streets of various countries. In Lebanon, these young individuals actively engaged in diverse activities, attending lectures, singing songs, and participating in sporting events. Their music preferences, fashion choices, and daily routines played a pivotal role in shaping their identities. However, scholars of modern Lebanon often overlook the rich tapestry of youth cultures that these socio-political groupings cultivated. To shed light on the daily lives of the young men and women involved in Lebanon's youth politics, Dylan Baun delves into the political and cultural history of a diverse array of youth-centric organizations from the 1920s to 1950s. Through his unique sources, Baun unveils how these youth movements played a significant role in shaping the modern Middle East. He outlines how these movements established a distinct form of politics and populism, fostering the political socialization of various types of youth. Moreover, their efforts to win Lebanon, both physically and metaphorically, around the 1958 War, inadvertently contributed to the outbreak of sectarian violence.

In conclusion, by examining the youth movements in Lebanon during the mid-twentieth century, Baun provides a valuable perspective on the complex interplay between politics, culture, and youth in the region. His work highlights the significance of recognizing and understanding the diverse youth cultures that emerged in response to social and political changes, as they played a crucial role in shaping the modern Middle East.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 159 x 235 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108491525