Lebanon Adrift: From Battleground to Playground

(Paperback)

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Description

Lebanon today is at a fateful crossroads in its eventful socio-cultural and political history. Imperiled by unsettling transformations, from postwar reconstruction and rehabilitation to the forces of postmodernity and globalism, it remains adrift. In this landmark study, Samir Khalaf explores how ordinary citizens, burdened by the consequences of an ugly and unfinished war, persisting regional rivalries, mounting economic deprivation and diminishing prospects for well-being, find meaning and coherence in a society that has not only lost its moorings and direction, but also its sense of control. Khalaf argues that a mood of lethargy and indifference prevails, with a growing tendency for the Lebanese to seek refuge in religiosity, communalism and cloistered spatial identities, or temporary relief in the allure of mass consumerism.

Reviews

Endorsements: 'This is a skilled sociological reading of contemporary Lebanon by a master of the discipline. Khalaf offers a penetrating critique of Lebanon's society.' Augustus Richard Norton - Boston University and University of Oxford 'A timely and provocative reading of Lebanon's postwar malaise. Samir Khalaf offers an empirically rich and theoretically broad survey of Lebanese society.' Craig Larkin, University of Exeter 'This book re-affirms Khalaf's stature with its keen observations, eloquent prose and impassioned arguments about the escapist and narcissistic maladies afflicting post-war Lebanon.' Akram Khater, North Carolina State University

Author Bio

Samir Khalaf is Professor of Sociology and Director of the Center for Behavioral Research, American University of Beirut.