Team Leader and Research Manager |
Nader Akoum Lead Researcher and Authorship |
Raneem Diab Assistant Researchers |
Moustafa El Haj + Karim Fakhran + Nadim Saadeh + Talia Farhat Ex-participants |
Elie Azar + Lea Ghandour + Linda Panjarian + Hazem Hazed + Jana Massoud Article Author |
Nader Akoum
Central to Studio Madane's mission is the ‘Youth Politicians’ working group, one out of seven, which has focused on identity politics and sociopolitical discourse as critical pathways for addressing the deep divisions within Lebanese society. This group's goal is to unite the people in the mission to establish a more just, inclusive, and effective ruling class. One of the flagship projects of Studio Madane is the Collective Identity Project, which began with a comprehensive research paper titled ‘Does the Absence of a Lebanese Collective Identity Contribute to Youth Political (Dis)engagement?’ The 4-month research, conducted between May and August 2024, delves into the complexities of Lebanese national identity and its impact on youth political engagement. By employing a mixed-methods approach that integrates qualitative and quantitative research tools, the study seeks to unravel the nuances of Lebanese identity and its implications for political participation.
Partnerships for Development, Cultural Awareness, Access to Knowledge, and Social Inclusion.
Research Question
Does the absence of a Lebanese collective identity contribute to youth political (dis)engagement?
Project Background
Between 2020 and 2022, several debates took place between youth representatives from progressive political organizations, anti-corruption advocacy entities, and change-making individuals in order to commence a long-term intervention regarding the topic of Lebanese Identity. Some representative organizations included National Bloc, Beirut Madinati, LiHaqqi, Minteshreen, Sawti, Progressive student clubs from LAU, AUB, LIU, LU, and Student Union in Lebanon. The ground for internal discussions and chains of debates was invented by bringing together independent autonomous understandings of identity, also known as self-identification metrics, and investigating historical patterns of similar dialogues via compilation of literary references.
In 2023, a focus group of youth volunteers that identified with the larger group was established. Much of the sourced data was from different civil society organizations and unaffiliated [anti-corruption] authors and then internalized and digested by the researchers of CIP under debates about culture, politics, and religion, all of which is the foundation for the coming body of work.
Discussion workshops took place, where youth brainstormed collective questions around the Lebanese identity. Formulating different perspectives that frame a national identity and angles that fracture a unified one.
Findings & Recommendations
The research paper's data indicates that while political engagement among youth has waned compared to previous levels, there remains a strong desire for involvement. Many young people voice their frustration with sentiments like, "We no longer feel connected to our country," and "We don’t see Lebanese people who prioritize it." These expressions lead us to question the nature of this sense of belonging and explore what might motivate and enhance youth political engagement. It is important to clarify that this research does not aim to create a singular unified Lebanese identity. Rather, within the context of Lebanon's rich sectarian, religious, and regional diversities, our goal is to cultivate these differences, acknowledge identity as an ever-evolving phenomenon, all while emphasizing the prioritization of a shared Lebanese identity and its benefits. In response to this challenge, we introduce The Collective Identity Project—a multifaceted initiative that begins with academic research as the first step towards strategizing and implementing sustainable socio-political transformation.
The findings indicate that Lebanese youth often describe their national identity in diverse and sometimes contradictory ways. This fragmentation reflects a broader issue of identity that is deeply entwined with the country's socio-political landscape. The study identified several patterns contributing to this disengagement. There is a notable lack of interest and knowledge about politics among Lebanese youth. Only 18.5% of the sample consider themselves well-informed about domestic political issues, while 25.9% have no information at all. This lack of knowledge and interest extends to traditional and non-traditional forms of engagement, such as political discussions, social media activity, and participation in demonstrations. This pattern underscores a broader disconnection between youth and the political processes that literally shape their lives.
The research highlights a crucial correlation between the absence of a unified Lebanese identity and the low levels of political engagement among youth. While Lebanese youth acknowledge a cultural connection to their national identity, this connection often fails to translate into a cohesive political agenda: shared values do not pertain to shared agendas. Many youth prioritize other identities—such as sectarian, regional, or ideological identities—over the national identity. This fragmentation hinders the formation of a collective national consciousness that could foster political engagement. After expressing her discontent with how the Lebanese people from non-southern regions have abandoned their struggle against Israeli aggressions, the female testified that she would most likely not be respectively invested if the same were to happen in the North of Lebanon. Nevertheless, she, and several other southerners, testified that their communities have become tighter in the South due to the lack of national attention and integration, which has led them to develop a ‘southern Lebanese’ identity. This disconnection to the collective identity highlights the lack of empathy between sub-identities in Lebanon that is driven by the melting pot of regionalism and sectarianism.
A pervasive sense of mistrust towards Lebanese political institutions was another significant finding. The study shows that 86.5% of the youth do not trust the state’s institutions, reflecting a broader disillusionment with the system. This mistrust, combined with a lack of faith in the potential for meaningful change, further exacerbates youth disengagement.
Charles Elhayek told the Youth Politicians that if there were common denominators for the Lebanese people, they would be ‘Freedom, Diversity, and Education’. When confronted with this, the youth testified to it. They unanimously agreed to the cultural dimension of the identity, whether in the individual or group interviews. One of the recommendations is to emphasize Lebanon's rich cultural heritage and distinct qualities in order to serve as a foundation for building a more unified national identity. By focusing on shared values, it is possible to cultivate a more inclusive sense of belonging. Dr. Serge Yazigi talked to the Youth Politicians about the innate ability of the Lebanese to absorb information and innovate, as one of the general cultural competences. This can be enhanced and promoted by including community engagement and social service as an obligatory action in school systems.
Future Prospects
The initial phase of our Collective Identity Project, developed in collaboration with FNF Lebanon, aims to support policies and recommendations through evidence-based research. This phase focuses on building a network of activists and allies to drive collaborative impact, ensuring inclusivity and representation for marginalized groups, and creating multi-dimensional mechanisms for impact evaluation. Additionally, the project emphasizes nurturing youth leadership through mentorship and training, as well as promoting cultural and social innovation to bridge divides and celebrate Lebanon’s rich heritage.
Studio Madane plans to build on this research in its continued exploration of Lebanese collective identity, starting in 2025. By addressing the underlying issues identified in the study and implementing these recommendations, the organization aims to enhance youth engagement and contribute to the broader regeneration of Lebanon’s political and social fabric.