The struggles of labour mobilisation in Lebanon and Iraq

This paper offers an analysis of contemporary Lebanese and Iraqi labour movements, aiming to explain their hitherto modest role as oppositional forces, and discuss their future potentials. Adopting a wide understanding of labour movements as encompassing both trade unions and professional syndicates, the paper traces the battle between ruling sectarian elites and opposition actors who seek to reduce elite dominance over organised labour. Instead, these movements promote class- or labour-based communities that transcend sect divisions. Drawing on data from interviews with Lebanese and Iraqi activists and members of the labour movement, as well as secondary sources, the paper uncovers differences in the strategies elites have used to thwart oppositional agency within these two types of organisations and across contexts. Moreover, it analyses how opposition groups in turn have sought to exploit narrow opportunities to exercise resistance. Finally, it reflects on the potential for strengthening these movements and explores the trade-offs between different opposition strategies.