Facing Sectarianism: Non-Sectarian Collective Action in Lebanese Society

Abstract

This thesis sheds light on how a non-sectarian movement manoeuvres in and aims to impact a field of sectarian politics in Lebanon. In particular, it examines the rise and decline of Beirut Madinati, a non-sectarian political movement that campaigned for the 2016 municipal elections, in a society where sectarian divides are entrenched in politics, the economy and social life. The thesis analyses the case through collective action from a strategic action field perspective, to allow for understanding in structuration and the dynamics of change and stability of a sectarian society. Informed by qualitative research, the thesis contends that while Beirut Madinati strategically responded to the sectarian environment in order to reach out, sectarianism proved too dominant to effectively sustain collective action and change the status quo. Nevertheless, given the novel way in which Beirut Madinati engaged in collective action, the thesis underscores its long-term impact on the field of sectarian politics in Lebanon.