This book is a remarkable accomplishment-simultaneously a revealing look at the varied and complex dynamics of ethnic and sectarian politics in Lebanon, a profound reflection on the basic questions of political science-who gets what, when, and how-and an ingenious use of multiple methodologies in the search for nuanced, plausible, and valuable answers. In examining the on-the-ground dynamics of welfare distribution ... Read moreby several sectarian parties and movements, Melani Cammett shows that the various configurations of political mobilization, participation, and competition shape political patronage in surprisingly predictable patterns-from very narrowly particularistic to very broadly distributive. These findings will prove instructive not only to those interested in politics in the Middle East but also to anyone concerned with the nature of political organization and exchange, as well as admirers of well-constructed social science research.
Lisa Anderson, The American University in Cairo A theoretically compelling, carefully researched, and well-written study of the politics of service system provision by sectarian-based parties, Compassionate Communalism is a must-read for students of service provision, clientelism, and political parties in Lebanon and beyond.
Ellen Lust, Yale University, author of Structuring Conflict in the Arab World Overall, Compassionate Communalism is the kind of work on non-state social welfare that fills a gap in the political economy literature. I highly recommend the book for anyone interested in Lebanese and Middle Eastern politics, political economy in weak states, ethnic politics and consocialism.
Barea M. Sinno
International Affairs
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