Abstract
In Lebanon, the same political class whose role was instrumental in the economic and financial collapse of the country won the May 2022 parliamentary elections. These results raise questions about why and how the sectarian politicians were able to secure their political survival in a divided society. This article explores and analyzes elites’ strategies to augment power in divided societies and how it is employed to mobilize followers. It employs the concept of ‘bare life,’ as developed by Giorgio Agamben, to analyze elites’ strategies to control the lives of their followers and shape their political orientations. ‘Bare life’ is not always imposed on individuals. It is, at times, a ‘voluntary option’ for individuals in exchange for protection from sovereign power against alleged fears and dangers. The article will analyze the case of the Christian community in Lebanon to explore why and how its elites exert considerable influence over their community and secure its loyalty.
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