Compassionate Communalism

This book explores how sectarian political parties in Lebanon, including Christian and Muslim groups, utilize welfare benefits to strengthen their support bases and influence, while also highlighting the social divisions that arise from such practices.

In "Compassionate Communalism," Melani Cammett explores the welfare distribution strategies employed by Christian, Shia Muslim, and Sunni Muslim political parties in Lebanon, drawing from extensive research. She examines how these sectarian groups, particularly organizations like Hezbollah, fill the gaps left by government services by providing essential social welfare such as healthcare, food, and poverty relief. The book highlights the varying approaches to welfare distribution, with some parties extending their services broadly to individuals outside their own sect, while others focus solely on their supporters.

Cammett delves into the political motivations behind these welfare strategies, revealing that sectarian groups utilize welfare benefits not only to attract marginal voters but also to strengthen loyalty within their own communities, mobilize support, and bolster their militia members. This analysis offers a nuanced understanding of the intersection between sectarianism and social welfare, illustrating how these dynamics shape political landscapes in Lebanon.

Furthermore, the author expands her investigation to include case studies from the Sadrist movement in Iraq and the Bharatiya Janata Party in India, demonstrating that the provision of nonstate welfare is a common tactic among religious and ethnic organizations seeking political support. While Cammett acknowledges the vital role of these welfare systems in the absence of effective state institutions, she also cautions that they can exacerbate social divisions, entrench rival political visions, and contribute to social inequality. Through diverse research methods, including GIS analysis, surveys, and interviews, Cammett provides a comprehensive examination of these complex issues.