Understanding sectarianism in Lebanon with worldview theory

Based on field-study, critique of the German philosopher Jürgen Habermas’ idea of constitutional patriotism, philosophy of worldview and a discussion of the dialectics of secularisation this DIIS Working Paper argues that it is necessary to use theory of the state other than the post-Westphalian Weber concept to understand the political structure of Lebanon.

The paper concludes that secularisation is not the solution to overcome the deep political crisis and argues that new relations between state institutions and religious communities are needed to provide new perspectives for a sustainable political system in Lebanon.