We're joined by Thanassis Cambanis for Episode 118 of The Beirut Banyan, and we discuss the dilemma of weapons beyond state control and the challenges to political and economic reform.

Thanassis shares his views on the political calculations that brought Lebanon to its current economic breakdown, and the potential for a citizenry and social pact that respects universal rights and ensures the protection of various identities throughout the region.

Thanassis is a senior fellow at The Century Foundation. He is the author of 'A Privilege to Die: Inside Hezbollah's Legions and Their Endless War Against Israel' and co-author of 'Citizenship and Its Discontents: The Struggle for Rights, Pluralism, and Inclusion in the Middle East Michael Wahid Hanna'.

Both books are referred to in the episode, and can be purchased via the following links:

A Privilege to Die:

https://www.amazon.com/Privilege-Die-Hezbollahs-Legions-Endless/dp/1439143617

Citizenship and its Discontents:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0870785567/ref=x_gr_w_bb_sout?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb_sout-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0870785567&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

And check out The Century Foundation's podcast hosted by Thanassis:

https://tcf.org/content/tag/podcast/

If you're enjoying these episodes, help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal:

https://www.paypal.me/walkbeirut

Or donating through our Patreon page:

https://www.patreon.com/thebeirutbanyan

And subscribe to our podcast from your preferred platform.

Follow us on Instagram: thebeirutbanyan

Twitter: beirut_banyan

Facebook: The Beirut Banyan

Website: www.beirutbanyan.com

Music by Marc Codsi. Graphics by Sara Tarhini.