ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the role of the Lebanese diaspora in the foundation of Greater Lebanon in 1920. It argues that available writings on the subject are highly descriptive, and it attempts to provide a more systematic and conceptually informed reading of the role of the diaspora in the process leading to the creation of the new nation-state, Lebanon. The argument relies on Bourdieusian concepts of capital (political, cultural and symbolic) and field in an attempt to conceptually frame the relationships between migrants abroad and their place of origin. The analysis shows that not only did the migrants originating from what later became known as Greater Lebanon engage in formulating and remitting ‘historical‘ narratives and ‘inventing the traditions’ needed for the creation of a new nation, they also engaged in a variety of political and military activities for the same purpose. These activities and others opposing them constituted a diasporic field. The authorities that came to rule the territories now called ‘Lebanon’ would settle these differences by valorising particular positions taken by the diaspora actors and marginalising others.
