ABSTRACT
There is no doubt that the 1961–62 coup plot would not have occurred had it not been for the dramatic social and political changes that took place under Chehab. But to properly capture the spirit and attitudes that motivated the plot, it is important to understand the longer-term historical context in which it occurred. The events of 31 December 1961 had deep historical roots arising from a peculiar and frustrating relationship between the Lebanese state and the SSNP. In fact, both the government and the coup leaders regarded the 1961 plot as another stage in a long and often violent conflict between them for political supremacy. 1
