Research Article
Beyond the Confessional State: Power, Authority, and Political Order in Contemporary Lebanon
Shaul Michael Gabbay*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2026
Pages:
258-266
Received:
27 September 2026
Accepted:
5 October 2026
Published:
23 October 2026
Abstract: Lebanon is commonly interpreted through confessionalism, but formal confessional institutions alone do not explain how citizens obtain access to the state, how organizations exercise authority, or why political arrangements persist through repeated crises. This article presents a conceptual synthesis of scholarship on Lebanese confessionalism, clientelism, welfare provision, civil society, political economy, and armed authority, supplemented by recent survey research and primary institutional reporting on developments after 2019. It compares how brokerage and relational access operate across political families, sectarian parties, welfare organizations, municipalities, armed actors, diaspora ties, and foreign patronage, and how successive economic, institutional, and security shocks alter the value of those relationships. The analysis is interpretive rather than statistical and does not claim representative measurement of individual attitudes or causal effects. Building on Portes's treatment of the negative consequences of social capital and on network theory's account of position-dependent resources, the article uses social liability to identify the costs attached to otherwise useful ties and network revaluation to trace changes in their practical value. The Lebanese evidence indicates that scarcity can simultaneously weaken patrons' distributive capacity and increase the premium on privileged access, while institutional reform matters to the extent that citizens become less dependent on brokers. The declining need to locate “the right person” is proposed as an observable indicator of reform.
Abstract: Lebanon is commonly interpreted through confessionalism, but formal confessional institutions alone do not explain how citizens obtain access to the state, how organizations exercise authority, or why political arrangements persist through repeated crises. This article presents a conceptual synthesis of scholarship on Lebanese confessionalism, clie...
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Research Article
Pathways to Peace: Identifying Opportunities for Successful Peacebuilding in Post-conflict South Sudan
Dut Bol Ayuel Bill*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2026
Pages:
267-275
Received:
16 September 2026
Accepted:
4 October 2026
Published:
29 October 2026
Abstract: This study investigates the primary opportunities for successful peacebuilding in post-conflict South Sudan, a nation grappling with the legacies of prolonged conflict and the challenges of sustainable recovery. Employing an exploratory research design, the study surveyed 169 respondents drawn from key segments of society, including government officials, representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), traders, and students. The research utilized a combination of structured and unstructured questionnaires to ensure a comprehensive understanding of stakeholder perspectives, and data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 24 to provide robust statistical support for the findings. The results indicate that economic reconstruction is perceived as the most critical peacebuilding priority, as identified by 50.3% of respondents. This underscores the widespread recognition that rebuilding livelihoods, restoring infrastructure, and fostering economic growth are central to achieving lasting peace. Security sector reform emerged as the second most important opportunity (17.8%), reflecting the urgent need to strengthen institutions responsible for maintaining law and order, while social reconstruction (9.5%) was also highlighted as a key component, emphasizing reconciliation and the rebuilding of social trust within communities. Furthermore, the study finds significant support for improved implementation frameworks for peacebuilding initiatives, with 45% of respondents strongly agreeing and 18% agreeing with the need for more effective operationalization. Mutually accountable agreements between the government and international partners also garnered strong endorsement (52% strongly agree), signaling the importance of transparency and shared responsibility. Additional opportunities identified by respondents include the development of contingency relief structures (24%), the formulation of a shared peacebuilding doctrine (22%), institutional refurbishing (20%), and the establishment of mentorship programs (18%) to nurture local leadership and capacity. Collectively, these findings provide essential empirical evidence for policymakers, practitioners, and international stakeholders seeking to design and implement more effective peacebuilding strategies in South Sudan. The research highlights that a sustainable peace process must prioritize economic reconstruction, foster inter-institutional collaboration, and establish frameworks that promote accountability, inclusivity, and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.
Abstract: This study investigates the primary opportunities for successful peacebuilding in post-conflict South Sudan, a nation grappling with the legacies of prolonged conflict and the challenges of sustainable recovery. Employing an exploratory research design, the study surveyed 169 respondents drawn from key segments of society, including government offi...
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