Sextarianism: Sovereignty, Secularism, & the State in Lebanon

a book talk & conversation with Maya Mikdashi & Maysam Taher

October 20 2022, 6 to 7:30 pm

20 Cooper Square, 4th Floor

With Sextarianism: Sovereignty, Secularism, and the State in Lebanon, Maya Mikdashi offers a new way to understand state power, theorizing how sex, sexuality, and sect shape and are shaped by law, secularism, and sovereignty. The Lebanese state is structured through religious freedom and secular power sharing across sectarian groups. Every sect has specific laws that govern kinship matters like marriage or inheritance. Together with criminal and civil laws, these laws regulate and produce political difference. But whether women or men, Muslims or Christians, queer or straight, all people in Lebanon have one thing in common—they are biopolitical subjects forged through bureaucratic, ideological, and legal techniques of the state.

Please note: Currently, due to COVID-related restrictions, only those with an NYU Card will be able to attend the event in person. If this situation changes, we will update this page. The event will also be livestreamed. Check back for updated information. Thank you.