Sextarianism: Sovereignty, Secularism, and the State in Lebanon

Sextarianism: Sovereignty, Secularism, and the State in Lebanon Book Description

Readers will find Sextarianism: Sovereignty, Secularism, and the State in Lebanon as a fresh, engaging English title on the Kalimat Bookstore Online catalog. Maya Mikdashi invites you to explore how Lebanon’s unique mix of religious freedom and secular power sharing shapes everyday life. The book explains how each sect follows its own family laws on marriage, inheritance, and kinship, while national criminal and civil codes create a complex web of political difference. Because all citizens—whether women or men, Muslim or Christian, queer or straight—are treated as biopolitical subjects, the state’s legal and bureaucratic techniques affect everyone. This narrative helps readers uncover the hidden links between sex, sexuality, sect, law, and sovereignty.

Key Features of Sextarianism: Sovereignty, Secularism, and the State in Lebanon

Inside the book, Mikdashi draws on court archives, public records, and ethnographic work at the Court of Cassation, Lebanon’s highest civil court. She shows how political difference intertwines with religious, secular, and sexual distinctions. Meanwhile, the author highlights the regulation of religious conversion, the management of legal archives, and the impact of both state and parastatal violence. Additionally, she examines secular activism that challenges entrenched power structures. These features give readers a clear view of how everyday practices reveal the contingent nature of state power.

Furthermore, the study places Lebanese state authority within broader regional struggles. Readers can see how uprisings, transitions, and ongoing violence shape the lives of people across the Middle East. The book therefore connects personal experiences with larger political and legal frameworks, offering a comprehensive picture of sovereignty in a sectarian context.

Why Read This Book?

Fans of contemporary Middle‑East studies will enjoy the blend of archival research and vivid ethnography. The author’s accessible style makes complex legal and political concepts easy to understand. Moreover, the book provides valuable insights for scholars, activists, and anyone interested in how law, sexuality, and religion intersect. Because the narrative is grounded in real cases and lived experiences, readers can relate to the material and apply its lessons to current debates on secularism and state authority.

Many readers appreciate the book’s ability to make abstract theories feel tangible. By focusing on concrete examples—such as court decisions on marriage or policies on conversion—the text helps you explore how power operates on the ground. Therefore, this title serves both as an academic resource and a compelling story about Lebanese society.

About This Book

For more details about the author and reader reviews, visit the Goodreads page. You can also explore other top English titles in our store by following the books catalogue link. Enjoy discovering the nuanced world of Lebanese law and identity with Sextarianism: Sovereignty, Secularism, and the State in Lebanon.