Lebanon, Power-Sharing Based on “National Construction”: An Analytical Historical Study

Abstract

Social plurality and identity-based diversity are among the principal factors shaping systems of governance in states. Within this framework, Lebanon represents a significant case study, as its political system is founded upon political consociationalism and the distribution of power among different religious communities.

This study examines the system of the National Pact and the manner in which this model has been implemented in Lebanon, particularly from historical and political perspectives. The study demonstrates that, rather than relying on majoritarian democracy, the Lebanese system distributes political authority on the basis of mutual recognition and elite consensus, a structure institutionalized through the National Pact and the Taif Agreement. It further argues that, although this form of governance has helped preserve social balance in a deeply divided society, it has simultaneously contributed to the fragmentation of authority and the weakening of state institutions.

In Lebanon, power is not concentrated exclusively within the state; rather, it is dispersed across sectarian networks, religious institutions, media platforms, and political parties. The study concludes that political consociationalism in Lebanon, while maintaining a degree of social stability, has constrained effective governance and limited the prospects for long-term reform.

In general, our research consists of a summary and introduction of two main themes, and each of these themes has several branches under the main theme titles, along with research results. In general, the first topic deals with the historical and political stage of Lebanon's rule under the Ottomans, while the second topic deals with the experience of Lebanon's national builders with the arrival of the French in the region. The years of World War I and the historic agreements signed during this period in order to achieve national reconciliation among the Lebanese communities, such as the Taif Agreement, and successive Lebanese governments are discussed according to political consensus until the end of Hassan Diab's government.