Civil Society and Political Reform in Lebanon and Libya ─ Transition and Constraint

Lebanon and Libya have each undergone critical political events in recent years. However, despite demands from civic organisations, these events have not led either country to adopt political reforms. 

Civil Society and Political Reform in Lebanon and Libya assesses two civil society-led reform campaigns to reveal the deeply-entrenched historical patterns and elements of continuity that have led to path dependent outcomes in both countries’ transitions. It discusses the challenges faced by civic organisations in affecting political reform during and after political transitions, examining the role of institutions and institutional dynamics in constraining reform. Using a wide range of data from participant observations, nation-wide surveys, interviews and focus groups, the book demonstrates how the combination of weak states and power-sharing agreements marginalizes civic organisations and poses institutional constraints on the likelihood of reform.

Written by an active participant in the political events discussed, this book offers new insight into two countries which present, in the eyes of civil society activists, highly comparable and informative case studies. As such, it is a valuable resource for those interested in civil society, politics and reform in the Middle East and North Africa.

Carmen Geha is Assistant Professor, American University of Beirut