Complexities of Lebanese Politics Under French Colonialism

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This chapter explores how French colonialism shaped Lebanese politics, leading to the creation of Lebanon with a Christian majority state. It discusses the challenges of integrating different religious and ethnic groups, the implementation of a consociational system that favored Maronite elites, and the transformation of the Lebanese political landscape from a class-based dynamic to sectarian conflict. The chapter also delves into post-colonial Lebanon's struggles with sectarian and class divisions, identity crises, and efforts by figures like Kamal Jumblat to challenge the entrenched sectarian system.

Featuring Abdel Razzaq Takriti, this is the SEVENTH episode of Thawra (Revolution), our rolling mini-series on Arab radicalism in the 20th century. Today’s installment lays out the the US’s Eisenhower Doctrine, which in 1957 inaugurated a new era of imperialism in the Middle East; the Ba’ath Party driving Syria and Egypt into the United Arab Republic, a superstate under Nasser’s rule, in 1958; and, later that year, Eisenhower landing US Marines in Lebanon, the first American combat operation in the region. Support The Dig at Patreon.com/TheDig Check out our newsletter and vast archives at thedigradio.com Buy Burnout: The Emotional Experience of Political Defeat at versobooks.com Subscribe to Jacobin bit.ly/digjacobin