We're joined by Nadim Shehadi, executive director of Lebanese American University's New York campus.

Nadim offers a historic perspective on sectarianism and secularism, and comes to conclusions rather unique among academics focusing on the region. His case for the sectarian power-sharing order Lebanon inherited is a must-listen-to, as well as his adamant opposition to civil marriage.

Nadim is a Chatham House Associate Fellow and previously served as the director of Tufts University / Fletcher School's Fares Center for Eastern Mediterranean Studies.

Follow us on Instagram: thebeirutbanyan

Twitter: beirut_banyan

Facebook: The Beirut Banyan

Website: www.beirutbanyan.com

Music by Marc Codsi. Graphics by Sarah Tarhini.