Lebanon
Abstract
Since having its boundaries drawn by France after the First World War, Lebanon has struggled to define its national identity. Its population then included Christian, Sunni Muslim, and Shia Muslim communities of roughly comparable size, and with competing visions for the country. Seeking to avoid sectarian conflict, Lebanese leaders created a confessional system that allocated power among the countrys religious sects according to their percentage of the population. Since then, Lebanons demographics and political dynamics have shifted, exacerbating tension among groups. Sectarian divisions have stoked violence, such as during the 1975-1990 civil war, as well as political gridlock on issues that require dividing power, such as government formation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 21, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1132678
Entities
People
- Carla E. Humud
Organizations
- Congressional Research Service