Jumping out of the “Hobbesian Fishbowl” and Into the Fire: Lebanon, Elections, and Chronic Crisis

Drawing on theories and perspectives developed in the post-communist context, this article uses two recent events in Lebanon to reflect on the limits of elections and civil society to create a sense of engaged citizenship. The YouStink campaign illustrates the prospects and limitations of citizenship and accountability in the absence of elections, while the rise of Beirut Madinati helps illustrate the role of elections in divided societies without strong civic culture. The paper addresses both how the post-communist experience may elucidate Lebanon’s trajectory as well as what Lebanon may say about concerns with democracy in Eastern Europe.