The focus of this research is to investigate, develop and advance a nuanced understanding of the role of religion within the framework of soft power. The process for that is by delving into a critical analysis of inter-confessional and intra-confessional political divides that have shaped governance in Lebanon; and second, by applying an international lens that carefully considers the continued political and religious role of regional and international states with a vested interest in shaping confessionalism in Lebanon despite its divisive outcomes and penchant for producing political paralysis. Some theories are essential in this study such as the Religion and political theory, democratic peace theory, the differentiation between the soft and hard powers. Beyond the theories, explanation of confessionalism and its impact and contribution to Lebanon’s instability will be discussed. Also, the work of Marxist sociologists presents a corrective to what they see as over-reliance on sectarianism as a catchall to explain the conflict. The sectarian explanation is even more problematic.

Authors: Walaa Harb, Nabil Ayad, Titus Olaniyi

Published in: World Congress on Sustainable Technologies (WCST-2021)

• Date of Conference: 7-9 December 2021
• DOI: 10.20533/WCST.2021.0014
• ISBN: 978-1-913572-41-9
• Conference Location: Virtual (London, UK)