Lebanon in revolt

interview with Sharif Abdunnur

Authors

  • Torgeir Fjeld Ereignis Center for Philosophy and the Arts
  • Sharif Abdunnur University of Balamand, Lebanon

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59391/inscriptions.v3i1.57

Keywords:

Lebanon, protests, critical pedagogy, nation-building, Abdunnur

Abstract

Since October last year Lebanon has seen nation-wide protests against deteriorating standards of living, dubious governance, and a collapsing economy. Sharif Abdunnur, Professor of Media Studies at the University of Balamand in Beirut and Editor of Inscriptions has experienced the tumultuous events first hand, and in some cases ended up in the middle of an escalating conflict between armed sectarian forces and revolting civilians. In this interview, conducted on New Years Eve last year, Abdunnur gives his version of the events, explains their social and political context, and connects them to historical and international forces at work in Lebanon's volatile present.

Author Biographies

Torgeir Fjeld, Ereignis Center for Philosophy and the Arts

Dr. Torgeir Fjeld is editor-in-chief of Inscriptions and Head of the Ereignis Center for Philosophy and the Arts. He has taught at universities in the UK, USA, Norway, Poland and South Africa, and is the author of Rock Philosophy (forthcoming on Vernon Press), Perversion's Beyond and dressage and illusio. Fjeld studies temporality, films, and releasement.

Sharif Abdunnur, University of Balamand, Lebanon

Sharif Abdunnur is the Chairperson of the Department of Mass Media and Communication at the University of Balamand in Lebanon. A strong believer in interdisciplinary and intercultural education and collaboration Sharif focuses on creating works in various mediums that help bridge cultural gaps as well as challenging the accepted limits and norms. Sharif has published three books in various genres, several academic articles and five films winning more than 50 International Awards (for Directing, Scriptwriting, Best Indie Filmmaker etc.).

References

Arnold, Tom. “Can Lebanon’s newly designated PM save the economy?” Reuters Online, December 20,
2019. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-lebanon-protests-economy-explainer-idUSKBN1YO1GW
Associated Press. “Lebanon protests: 40 injured as violence flares again in Beirut.” The Guardian
Online, December 15, 2019. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/15/lebanon-protests-
40-injured-as-violence-flares-again-in-beirut
Khraiche, Dana. “Lebanon’s Banks Set Limits They Won’t Call Capital Controls.” Bloomberg Online,
November 17, 2019. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-11-17/lebanese-banks-toimpose-
first-joint-measures-in-face-of-crisis
Cover image: ``"The Shift (detail)," oil on canvas, by AFK (c) 2019. Used by permission.

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Published

2020-01-01

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2020): Outsourced! Mediatisation and revolt

Section

Commentaries

License

Copyright (c) 2020 Torgeir Fjeld, Sharif Abdunnur

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