Topic : Religious and ethnic influences on politics in the Middle East : Case of

Lebanon from 1975 to 1990.

Introduction
- Provide an overview of the political landscape in the Middle East, highlighting
the complexities of religious and ethnic influences.
- Introduce the specific case of Lebanon from 1975 to 1990, explaining the
historical context and the significance of this period.
- Clearly state the purpose and objectives of the term paper.

Development

Part 1: Religious and ethnic dynamics in Lebanon (1975-1990)

Section 1: Historical background

- Explore the historical background of Lebanon leading up to 1975, emphasizing
key religious and ethnic groups and their interactions.
- Examine the triggers and events that led to the outbreak of the Lebanese Civil
War in 1975.

Section 2: Role of religion in politics

- Analyze the influence of religious institutions and leaders on political decision-
making during the conflict.
- Investigate the impact of sectarian tensions on political alliances and conflicts.

Part 2: Ethnic factors and political dynamics

Section 1: Ethnic groups in Lebanon
- Identify major ethnic groups in Lebanon and their historical roles in shaping the
political landscape.
- Explore how ethnic identities intersected with political affiliations during the civil
war.

Section 2: Power struggles and alliances

- Examine power struggles among different ethnic groups and their impact on
political alliances.
- Analyze the role of external actors in shaping ethnic dynamics and political
outcomes in Lebanon.

Part 3: Case studies of specific events

Section 1: Examining significant events

- Select key events during the period and analyze their religious and ethnic
dimensions.
- Discuss the repercussions of these events on political stability and power
structures.

Section 2: Social and economic consequences

- Investigate the social and economic consequences of the conflict, with a focus on
religious and ethnic disparities.
- Explore post-war efforts to reconcile religious and ethnic communities and
rebuild the political landscape.

Conclusion
- Summarize key findings from each section.
- Reflect on the lasting impact of religious and ethnic influences on Lebanon's
political landscape.
- Offer insights into broader lessons that can be drawn from the case of Lebanon
for understanding the intersection of religion, ethnicity, and politics in the Middle
East.