Table of Contents

1. On Proxy Wars and Surrogate Victims 2. The Radicalization of Communal Loyalties 3. The Drift Into Incivility 4. Peasants, Commoners, and Clerics: Resistance and Rebellion, 1820-1860 5. Revolt and Counter-Revolt: Civil Strife of 1958 6. Lebanon's Golden/Gilded Age: 1943-1975 7. From Playground to Battleground: Preludes to Civil Strife 8. The Scares and Scars of War 9. From Shakib Effendi to Ta'if 10. Prospects for Civility

Promotional Information

Khalaf analyzes the history of civil strife and political violence in his native Lebanon and reveals what he views as the inherent contradictions that have plagued that country, particularly its vulnerability to inter-Arab and superpower rivalries. He asks: How can a fairly peaceful and resourceful society, with an impressive history of viable pluralism, coexistence, and republicanism, become the site of so much barbarism and incivility?

About the Author

Samir Khalaf is professor of sociology and chair of the Center for Behavioral Research at the American University of Beirut. He is the author of many books, including Lebanon's Predicament, published by Columbia.

Reviews

Eminently readable, with an insider feel for detail and complexity. International Affairs Civil and Uncivil Violence in Lebanon makes a major contribution to the study of democratic theory. -- Bill S. Mikhail Middle East Policy A book which offers a sustained and original reflection upon the character and dynamics of internal conflict in Lebanon. Oxfam Developemental Resources Review Khalaf succeeds in crafting a narrative that is engaging, scholarly--and, perhaps most refreshing--hopeful -- Akram Fouad Khater International Journal of Middle East Studies A fascinating history of conflict in Lebanon since the early nineteenth century. -- Marius Deeb Middel East Quarterly