The problems faced by the nation of Lebanon reflect those that confront all multi-ethnic societies. In this volume, the author examines the intricacies of Lebanese political life in order to unearth what it might teach us about such societies as well as about the Middle East in general. He provides an in-depth study of the political sociology and behaviour of the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP), one of Lebanon's most important political parties, in order to illustrate the dilemmas suffered by Lebanese political parties since the country's independence in 1943. In so doing, Richani explains the following: how a party is constructed in a multi-ethnic society; how social composition influences the decisions made as well as the dynamics of a party; what affects a party's development; how leaders interpret and adjust to these developments; and how the developments alter the party's proclaimed views and, ultimately, its goals.