The Left. (c2012)

Abstract

This thesis examines the path and prospects of Leftist movements in Lebanon. It points out their main successes and flaws, and examines their future possibilities. The research attempts to go beyond historical personal narratives by critically highlighting the general traits and major stages of the Lebanese Left since its inception while providing a critical account of what has been done and what could be achieved in the future. The aim is to answer the question asked in the title of the thesis: has a Leftist approach been, or will it ever be, a realistic option for Lebanon? The thesis examines two major Left-wing parties in Lebanon: the Lebanese Communist Party (LCP) and the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP). It also looks at the main alliances organized by Leftist parties in Lebanon: the Lebanese National Movement (LNM) and Lebanese National Resistance Front (LNRF). Leftist experiences in other countries are compared with Lebanon’s own to investigate the possibility of making the Left right for Lebanon in the future.