A full-house discussion of Dr. Simon Kachar’s book, Fouad Chehab and the Politics of Reform in Lebanon: Governance, Pluralism, and State-Building, took place at the 67th Beirut International Arab Book Fair at Seaside Arena, Beirut. The panel was part of the program organized by the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Chair for Arabic and Islamic Texts and Studies at the American University of Beirut (AUB), in collaboration with AUB Press, the book’s publisher.
Moderated by attorney Mohammad Farid Mattar, the event brought together political figures, legal professionals, journalists, academics, and members of the public to examine the legacy of President Fouad Chehab’s 1958–1964 reform agenda and its relevance to Lebanon’s ongoing institutional and political challenges.
Kachar explored Chehabism not simply as a reference to a bygone era but as an approach to governance rooted in constitutional authority, effective public administration, social justice, balanced development, and citizenship within a pluralistic society. The discussion examined how these principles continue to inform debates on state-building, institutional reform, and the relationship between the state and its citizens.
The exchange extended beyond the panel, with interventions from former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, former Minister Salim Jreissati, lawyers, members of the press, and other attendees. Their contributions highlighted the continued relevance of Chehab’s legacy, particularly in relation to the rule of law, accountable government, and the role of public institutions in rebuilding trust. Participants also considered the tensions and limitations of the Chehabist experience, including the balance between state authority and political freedoms.
The event concluded with a book-signing session, giving readers the opportunity to meet Kachar and continue the conversation. The strong turnout and lively exchange reflected sustained public interest in Lebanon’s history of reform and the continuing search for a viable path toward effective governance and state-building.
Through its publishing program and participation in the Beirut International Arab Book Fair, AUB Press continues to support scholarly work that engages with Lebanon’s political, social, and intellectual history and contributes to contemporary public debate.
About AUB
Founded in 1866, the American University of Beirut bases its educational philosophy, standards, and practices on the American liberal arts model of higher education. A teaching-centered research university, AUB has more than 800 full-time faculty members and a student body of over 9,700 students. AUB currently offers more than 140 programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s, MD, and PhD degrees. It provides medical education and training to students from throughout the region at its Medical Center, which includes a full-service 365-bed hospital.
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