The specter of ‘politics’ and antimonies of collective organization - the development of ‘alternative’ organization and action in Lebanon (2015-2017) : case of ‘Al-Hirak,’ ‘Beirut Madinati’ and ‘Sabaa’ -

Abstract

The Lebanese scene has witnessed important developments over the course of the last two years (2015-2017), particularly in the development of ‘alternative’ realms of collective action and organization. With the onset of the garbage crisis in July 2015, the unbearable odors hanging heavily in the dense summer air, and the mounting heaps of garbage simmering in the heat presented the tipping point for people’s growing anger and resentment against self-serving political elites, debilitating public services and deteriorating socio-economic conditions. The social movement scene witnessed the multiplication of campaigns under various names and ‘hashtags.’ However, the groups’ contending strategic and ideological orientations raised tensions between tendencies hoping to focus ‘singularly’ on the ‘garbage’ crisis to realize ‘a win,’ and others hoping to place it within its larger ‘structural’ context. Although the ‘Hirak’ declined, the dynamism it created was propagated in the municipal elections of May 2016. The first and most prominent electoral initiative came from the center to reclaim the city and representative politics under the name ‘Beirut Madinati.’ Bringing together a number of urban activists, university professors and professionals, the campaign sought ‘change from within’ through a “participatory” and “positive” campaign and a “harmonious” team of “experts.” While advancing a local municipal developmental plan that addressed the “daily” concerns of “the people” of the city, ‘Beirut Madinati,’ however, sidelined the contentious political aspects and structural inequalities vested in the city. The most recent development in ‘alternative’ politics and organization has been the creation of a “novel,” “modern” and “non-traditional” political party, ‘Sabaa