Greater Lebanon after a century: what remains of the homeland shaped by sects
Patriarch Elias Howayek initiated the Greater Lebanon project with the goal of achieving national unity that encompasses the diversity of its sects, transforming multiplicity from a source of fear into a foundation for citizenship and coexistence. After more than a hundred years, questions still remain about the extent to which the Lebanese have succeeded in building a fully sovereign state, as the state has continued to be subordinate to sectarian and political loyalties, with the concepts of sovereignty and control over national decisions diminishing. Despite Lebanon’s maintained diversity, the country has failed to turn pluralism into genuine citizenship, and Lebanon now lives through internal and external conflicts and struggles, leading to a decline of the state and the erosion of true sovereignty. Reflecting on the anniversary of the beatification of Howayek raises questions about how committed the Lebanese are to realizing the dream of Greater Lebanon, and whether they are willing to make Lebanon greater than its sects, to rebuild a strong state with independent decision-making and an inclusive national project.
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