ABSTRACT
This chapter explains why Christian nationalism is on the rise in Lebanon, is the occurrence of increased violence against Christians across the Middle East to the point that their presence is threatened in many areas of the region. It explores this tendency as "Christian nationalism", understanding it as an isolationist political ideology. The chapter explains how the politics of Christian nationalism aims at maintaining a Christian-dominated Lebanese state, a strong confessional identity among the Christian Lebanese, and a high degree of autonomy of the Christian community. It begins with a brief historical examination of how political and business elites at the time of Lebanon's independence constructed the idea of an organic and cultural Lebanese nation, and why this concept has failed. This clarifies why the Arab uprisings of 2011, similar to previous decisive regional political crises, are setting off religious nationalist sentiments among Lebanon's Christian community. The chapter discusses the trend of renewed armament of Christian groups in Lebanon.
