contents
    Summer 2002,
vol. 44, No. 1/2
 
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  New from Columbia University PressCivil And Uncivil Violence In Lebanon by Samir Khalaf    
  -      In this highly anticipated work, Samir Khalaf analyzes the history of civil strife and political violence in his native Lebanon, revealing the roots of his country's contradictory path to social change. Not only does Khalaf examine the complexities of intra-social conflict, he also takes into account Lebanon's questionable role within various international and Middle Eastern socio-political agendas. Emphasizing Lebanon's vulnerability to inter-Arab and superpower rivalries, Khalif shows how non-violent protests frequently turn into heedless waves of communal violence eventually degenerating into proxy wars and surrogate forms of victimization. Viewing social strife and political instability as the two major obstacles to Lebanon's movement towards peace and growth, Civil and Uncivil Violence paints a sympathetic portrait of a generally peaceful and resourceful society--one with an impressive history of pluralism and openness--falling prey to the forces of barbarism and incivility.
      Lebanon's fragmented political culture is a byproduct of two general features. First, it reflects the traditional forces and political conflicts caused by 		striking differences in religious beliefs and communal and sectarian loyalties that continue to split societies and reinforce Lebanon's factional character. Second, and superimposed on these are new forms of socioeconomic and cultural stress caused by Lebanon's role in the continuing international conflicts of the region.
      Khalaf concludes that Lebanon is now at a crossroads in the process of political and social transformation and proposes some strategies to re-create a vibrant civil and political culture that can accommodate profound transformation in the internal domestic sphere as well as mediate developments taking place internationally.
      Samir Khalaf is Professor of sociology and chair of the Center for Behavioral Research at the American University of Beirut. He is author of many books, including Lebanon's Predicament, also published by Columbia University Press.
Note: Material for this review taken from the book jacket

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