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On the Loss of Humanity: The Case of Former Militia Fighters in Lebanon

Through ethnographic encounters with former militia fighters in Lebanon, this talk explores the relationship between killing and the loss of humanity. What motivated fighters to kill? Do they dehumanize in order to kill? How do they live and cope with these acts throughout their lives? How do they reflect on their past killing when asked? What effects does this past killing have on society today? In thinking about these questions, this paper suggests that the discourse of “loss-of-humanity” and dehumanization is used as an anti-political move and rhetorical device with hegemonic influence in debates and conversations about war and peace.

Sami Hermez is Assistant Professor in Residence at Northwestern University in Qatar. He is the author of several articles on social movements, political violence and cynicism in Lebanon. His forthcoming book is titled “No Victor, No Vanquished: Between Past and Future Violence in Lebanon” to be published with University of Pennsylvania Press.

This lecture is event is co-sponsored with Northwestern University in Qatar.