Policy overcomes confessional hurdles: a policy strategy tackles challenges in the segmented society and state of Lebanon

Abstract

I flesh out an analysis of how Lebanese Zu'ama or political elite manipulate various aspects of politics in Lebanon to maintain a firm grip of the confessional communities they represent. The political order resulting from the Za'im’s intervention in political life impedes policy formation on a non-confessional basis and precludes the development of state-society relations without the powerful intermediary role of the Lebanese Za'im. Therefore, I suggest a policy strategy that centers on a gradual and partial reform to break away from the powerful influence of the Lebanese Zu'ama in political life and towards a more participatory role for Lebanese citizens in the political order in Lebanon.