Date of Award

Spring 2013

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Major

International Studies with a Middle East Studies concentration

First Advisor

Professor Zayde Gordon Antrim

Second Advisor

Professor Janet Bauer

Abstract

A sectation is a country consisting of individual parts with disparate identities. Lebanon is classified as such because of the sectarianism that emerged out of the confessional political system’s emphasis on sect and religious affiliation. My work attempts to find a potential solution to the division in the country. It includes: First, an analysis of the history of Lebanon in order to find instances where confessional politics actually induced sectarianism. Second, the use of the Qur’an and political Islamist thinkers to explain how the establishment of an Islamic government may help move Lebanon towards nation. Third, an examination of the present-day Islamic government in Egypt headed by President Mohamed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood to illustrate the need for the complete espousal of the current regime to achieve renewal rather than regression. The total abolition of the confessional political system can set the country on the path to renewal. And an Islamic government is a viable alternative, a way out, and an opportunity to transform Lebanon into a nation: a community with a common identity.

Comments

Senior thesis completed at Trinity College for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in International Studies.

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