Lebanon : the politics of a penetrated society /

Despite its small size and population, Lebanon has been a center of sectarian conflicts and wars involving neighboring states and great powers. Given the crucial and persistent role of external actors, Najem (Univ. of Windsor, Canada) suitably titles his book The Politics of a Penetrated Society. This succinct account of the history and evolution of the Lebanese political system, consisting of five chapters, an extensive chronology, a bibliography, and useful notes, provides a valuable venue for understanding the country's troubled life. The introductory chapter outlines the Ottoman roots of Lebanon's confessional system, the French mandate, the National Pact, and the birth of consociational democracy that ensured stability and prosperity until the 1974 collapse. Chapter 2 covers the 1975-90 civil war, the emergence of the PLO, Syrian and Israeli invasions, and militia rule. Chapter 3 presents an analysis of political developments under the Taif Accord (i.e., Syrian hegemony), Rafiq Hariri's ascendance and assassination, the Cedar Revolution, Syria's departure, and the Hezbollah-Israeli war. The economic reconstruction under Hariri and his successors and determinants of Lebanon's foreign policy conclude the book. Najem expects continued instability due to sectarian conflicts, external penetration, and weak state power. A well-written study for scholars, students, diplomats, and general readers. Summing Up: Recommended. All readership levels. R. H. Dekmejian University of Southern California