Abstract:

This paper focuses on the approaches that former Lebanese President of the Republic Fouad Chehab (1958-1964) followed to face and overcome the crisis and the violence that took place in the summer of 1958 against the constitutional amendment that would have allowed the outgoing President Camille Chamoun (1952-1958) a second term of office. It also explains Chehab’s priority in restoring Lebanese unity and stability based on the National Pact of 1943 aiming at ensuring a peaceful, prosperous, and dignified Lebanese existence. It digs into the attempt to secure a better future”, and the recovery from the 1958 crisis including the re-establishment of a spirit of harmony, unity, and cooperation among the different Lebanese communities; all from the perspective of the “soft power” Chehab followed to face the 1958 violent and sectarian crisis. It reflects the past to our current days, especially after 2019 including the tragedy of the Beirut seaport explosion on August 4th, 2020. What lessons can be learned from the Chehabist experience in facing one of Lebanon’s most violent and sectarian crises? What if the same approach was followed in our recent crisis?