In search of greater Syria : The History and Politics of the Syrian Social Nationalist Party

• A mainstay in Lebanese party politics since the 1940s and a major ally of nationalist Syrians since 1932, the Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP) has been misplaced in Western analysis until Solomon’s recent book. Any observant visitor to west Beirut will recognize SSNP’s presence by way of its party flags and commemorative posters. Heralding the personal sacrifices of members during the (re)united leftist resistance against Israeli occupation of Lebanon in the 1980s, the omnipresence of the party's past role in Lebanon’s ideological battles justifies Solomon’s ten chapters. Partly a current affairs study but more a history of the party’s evolution from a spirited intellectual group of mostly Syrian migrants based in Brazil, this is a needed analysis of a dynamic group pursuing political change even through assassination and suicide attacks against occupying Israel forces. As such, its ideological interweaving with reactions to larger regional transformations offers rich material that is handled with analytical clarity. While a decent history of the party and its larger regional context, it is the author’s interviews with members currently struggling to remain relevant in contemporary Lebanese politics as they await the outcome of war in Syria that proves unique. This book should be required for advanced students navigating the modern history of the Levant. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Advanced undergraduates through faculty.

Ämnesord

HUMANIORA  -- Annan humaniora -- Kulturstudier (hsv//swe)

HUMANITIES  -- Other Humanities -- Cultural Studies (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Cold War

Imperialism

Civil War

Lebanon

Syria

Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures

Mellanösterns språk och kulturer

statsvetenskap

Political Science

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

rec (ämneskategori)