Abstract

Citinzenship in the multi-communitarian society does not easily fit with the overriding ideology of the nation-state. Should pluralistic societies like Lebanon combine these apparently irreconcilable elements with more imagination and pragmatism? Some concepts are particularly important in this regard: public space, where collective memory is shared; individual and communal autonomy; depoliticizing conflicts; developing a culture of agreement; the role of law; and finally, wisdom about external relationships. Most important in this framework is inter-religious dialogue, above all between Muslim and Christian communities.