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Collective Identity Project


Led by the Youth Politicians Working Group

Amid the devastating war that plunged Lebanon into deeper instability, the nation’s youth were once again at the forefront of its compounded crises. 

The conflict, which intensified sectarian divides and shattered remnants of trust in state institutions, exacerbated the economic despair and disconnection already felt by Lebanon’s younger generations. 

As the cease-fire held upon the end of 2024, and Lebanon inches toward yet another uncertain future, questions about national identity and political participation have reemerged with urgency. 

These concerns lie at the heart of ongoing efforts to focus on identity politics and sociopolitical discourse as critical pathways for addressing the deep divisions within Lebanese society, such as the Collective Identity Project [CIP], launched in May 2024 by Studio Madane Youth Politicians Working Group. 

Building on the above, the CIP positions itself as a pioneering youth-led series of actions aimed at realizing the modern Lebanese identity and its constituents: policy reform frameworks, co-developed social contracts, and multidisciplinary research methods.


The Paper
Impact
Partnerships for Development, Cultural Awareness, Access to Knowledge, and Social Inclusion.

The Program
  1. ‘Collective Identity’ Civil Society Focus Group 
  2. The Lebanese Collective Identity Research Paper
  3. Beirut Parliamentary Elections 2026

1. ‘Collective Identity’ Civil Society Focus Group
Between 2020 and 2022, Studio Madane hosted several debates that took place between youth representatives from progressive political organizations, anti-corruption advocacy entities, and change-making individuals in order to commence a long-term intervention regarding the topic of Lebanese identity. Some of the represented organizations included National Bloc, Beirut Madinati, LiHaqqi, Minteshreen, Sawti, progressive Lebanese university student clubs from LAU, AUB, LIU, LU, and the Student Union in Lebanon. The grounds for the internal discussions was founded by bringing together independent autonomous understandings of identity, also known as self-identification metrics, and investigating historical patterns of similar dialogues via compilation of literary references.

2. The Lebanese Collective Identity Research Paper
In 2023, a focus group of youth volunteers that identified with the mission was established. Much of the sourced data was from different civil society organizations and unaffiliated [anti-corruption] authors and then internalized and digested by the researchers of the CIP under debates about culture, politics, and religion, all of which is the foundation for the coming body of work. The youth brainstormed questions around the collective Lebanese identity, formulating different perspectives that frame a national identity and angles that fracture a unified one.


Does the absence of a Lebanese collective identity contribute to youth political (dis)engagement?


The research paper’s data indicates that while political engagement among youth has waned compared to previous levels, there remains a strong desire for involvement. Many young people voice their frustration with sentiments like, "We no longer feel connected to our country," and "We don’t see Lebanese people who prioritize it." These expressions lead us to question the nature of this sense of belonging and explore what might motivate and enhance youth political engagement. It is important to clarify that this research does not aim to create a singular unified Lebanese identity. Rather, within the context of Lebanon's rich sectarian, religious, and regional diversities, our goal is to cultivate these differences, acknowledge identity as an ever-evolving phenomenon, all while emphasizing the prioritization of a shared Lebanese identity and its benefits. In response to this challenge, we introduce The Collective Identity Project, a multifaceted initiative that begins with academic research as the first step towards strategizing and implementing sustainable socio-political transformation.



The findings indicate that Lebanese youth often describe their national identity in diverse and sometimes contradictory ways. This fragmentation reflects a broader issue of identity that is deeply entwined with the country's socio-political landscape. The study identified several patterns contributing to this disengagement. There is a notable lack of interest and knowledge about politics among Lebanese youth. Only 18.5% of the sample consider themselves well-informed about domestic political issues, while 25.9% have no information at all. This lack of knowledge and interest extends to traditional and non-traditional forms of engagement, such as political discussions, social media activity, and participation in demonstrations. This pattern underscores a broader disconnection between youth and the political processes that literally shape their lives.

The research highlights a crucial correlation between the absence of a unified Lebanese identity and the low levels of political engagement among youth. While Lebanese youth acknowledge a cultural connection to their national identity, this connection often fails to translate into a cohesive political agenda: shared values do not pertain to shared agendas. Many youth prioritize other identities, such as sectarian, regional, or ideological identities, over the national identity. This fragmentation hinders the formation of a collective national consciousness that could foster political engagement. After expressing her discontent with how the Lebanese people from non-southern regions have abandoned their struggle, a participant testified that she would most likely not be respectively invested if the same were to happen in the  north of Lebanon. Nevertheless, she, and several other southerners, testified that their communities have become tighter in the south due to the lack of national attention and integration, which has led them to develop a ‘southern Lebanese’ identity. This disconnection to the collective identity highlights the lack of empathy between sub-identities in Lebanon that is driven by the melting pot of regionalism and sectarianism.


A pervasive sense of mistrust towards Lebanese political institutions was another significant finding. The study shows that 86.5% of the youth do not trust the state’s institutions, reflecting a broader disillusionment with the system. This mistrust, combined with a lack of faith in the potential for meaningful change, further exacerbates youth disengagement.
Charles Elhayek told the Youth Politicians that if there were common denominators for the Lebanese people, they would be ‘Freedom, Diversity, and Education’. When confronted with this, the youth testified to it. They unanimously agreed to the cultural dimension of the identity, whether in the individual or group interviews. One of the recommendations is to emphasize Lebanon's rich cultural heritage and distinct qualities in order to serve as a foundation for building a more unified national identity. By focusing on shared values, it is possible to cultivate a more inclusive sense of belonging. Dr. Serge Yazigi talked to the Youth Politicians about the innate ability of the Lebanese to absorb information and innovate, as one of the general cultural competences. This can be enhanced and promoted by including community engagement and social service as an obligatory action in school systems.

The Collective Identity Project marks an important first step in a broader effort to rebuild trust and engagement among Lebanon's youth. It does not aim to create or impose a singular unified Lebanese identity. As Nader Akoum, team leader and founder of Studio Madane, explains: “We don’t want to weaponize moments in history or the land’s Phoenician heritage, or capitalize on a majority ethnic demographic.” Lead author Raneem Diab elaborates: “Rather, within the context of Lebanon's rich sectarian, religious, and regional diversities, our goal is to cultivate these differences, acknowledge identity as an ever-evolving phenomenon, all while emphasizing the prioritization of a shared Lebanese identity and its benefits.” 

While the research provides a foundation, the next phase involves action, mentorship, leadership training, and cultural initiatives aimed at activating young leaders. The Collective Identity Project, developed in collaboration with FNF Lebanon, positions itself not as an academic exercise but as a stepping stone toward reshaping political culture. By addressing the very roots of identity and belonging, initiatives like these have the potential to foster a renewed sense of purpose among Lebanon’s youth, ensuring that they play a vital role in the regeneration of the country’s political and social fabric.

3. Beirut Parliamentary Elections 2026
In 2026,