The Breakdown of the State in Lebanon, 1967-1976

By Farid El-Khazen

Straddling the boundaries of politics and history, this discerning book allows the reader to dig through the rubble of Lebanon's wars and learn exactly what has befallen it. With its remarkable open society, its plural political system, its well-educated and sophisticated peoples, and its tolerant confessional outlook, Lebanon is only now recovering the independence it once had, albeit in the face of Syria. In view of recent Lebanese history, can an open and democratic state be recaptured by a people entangled in a largely authoritarian Arab state system? Farid el Khazen's arresting book shows how Lebanon was led toward its fate by its neighbors, yet ultimately undid itself. The Palestine Liberation Organization's presence was of central importance to the breakdown of the state, while the porousness of the democratic system could not contain the problems and violence. The breakdown was less a civil war in the conventional sense than a series of little wars with outside interference.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0674081056
• ISBN13: 9780674081055
• Release Date: April 2000
• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 1.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.5" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

The Best Book Written on the Subject

For any serious researcher, don't look further, this is the book for you. It is a very good piece of work, obviously well researched and documented. And above all, it is the only objective piece of work I read on the history of Lebanon. El Khazen obviously knows what he is talking about, does not throw biased statements, does not omit incidents, and is supporting all of his arguments. All in all, an excellent piece of work. I admire the author's knowledge, honesty and courage and highly recommend the book.

Comprehensive and Insightful

This is a far more insightful and comprehensive work than several books on Lebanon I have read in recent years. Although I take issue with some of the author's arguments, the book is a solid academic work not only on the war but also on Lebanese society and politics. It is also based on new data and research material. The book is highly recommended for specialists on Lebanese and Arab politics.

Original and scholarly work

This well researched, scholarly book on Lebanese politics and society is a welcome contribution to the study of conflict in the Middle East. The subject matter Farid el Khazen deals with is no doubt complex and controversial. But the author presents his arguments in a balanced and convincing way. His novel approach - examining Lebanon in crisis situations in broader regional perspective - is original and lucid. For anyone seeking to know the internal and external causes of the war in Lebanon, this is the book to read.