Reality: In reality, while this identification with the sect is a significant characteristic of the Lebanese social and political sphere, other allegiances are even deeper entrenched; a potential threat to the precarious balance of the country. Despite the fact that confessional identity is endorsed across confessions alike, religious affiliations and ideology rank lower than other circles of identities.

A study conducted by Charles Harb of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the American University of Beirut and Information International found that the Lebanese’s allegiance is dedicated first and foremost to za’ama/leadership rather than to group, sect or religion. The survey’s sample was composed of 1500 respondents spanning across all of Lebanon’s Mohafazat. When asking to measure the importance of certain issues, the study found that the respondents ranked za’ama/leadership affiliation first among other factors they identify with. The list included confessionalism, religiosity and group threats. The average rank for za’ama was 5.56; 0 being ‘not at all’ and 6 being ‘to a very large extent’. It is also important to note that only 12.5% of the sample said they follow no zai’m/leader whatsoever[1].

The study also made other relevant findings. When inquiring about issues that respondents would be willing to defend in a peaceful manner, religion and ideology, contrary to what many might argue, were somehow preceded by Lebanon’s Independence. More importantly, when the willingness to fight for a cause was measured, religion ranked lower than the country’s independence. This could come off as positive news considering the general notions about Lebanese loyalty to the sect. But another finding provides another reason for concern. When the willingness to fight for a religion ranked lower than the willingness to fight for independence, it also ranked lower than willingness to fight for the political leader.

The conclusion of these findings is that the Lebanese are strongly affiliated with their zu’ama before being affiliated with their sects, and that they have an increased willingness to fight for them. This could mainly be due to the insecurities that the Lebanese have developed in response to their failed state. This is where the zai’m comes in and abuses his power to from patron-client relationships. These consist of the provision of jobs and services in return for a loyal support base. This piece of knowledge would be an important one to attend to and remember in light of the volatile nature of Lebanese and regional politics.

[1] «The Lebanese Follow their Leaders.» Information International. Feb 2007: 7-11. Print.