Justice Minister Adel Nassar on Wednesday called for inclusive democracy and institutional trust as essential tools to prevent renewed internal conflict in Lebanon and other divided societies. Speaking at a conference hosted by the “Maison du Futur” (House of the Future) on the occasion of its 50th founding anniversary, Nassar stressed that addressing the roots of internal strife requires confronting past grievances and ensuring that all voices, particularly those of minorities, are heard within the political system.

The conference, titled “Overcoming Divisions: A Conference for Lebanon’s Future,” brought together scholars and public figures to discuss paths toward national unity in a country still grappling with the legacy of civil war and persistent political instability.

“Resolving internal conflicts is a complex endeavor, often filled with surprises. Understanding their roots is not easy, and too often, by the time violence erupts, it’s already too late for peaceful solutions,” Nassar said.

He warned that in many instances, “the sound of weapons drowns out the voice of reason,” and that no two internal conflicts are alike. While some begin as homegrown political crises, many are triggered or intensified by foreign influence.

“Lebanon’s war, though considered internal, was never purely a civil war due to the involvement of foreign fighters,” Nassar noted. 

While democratic governance is frequently presented as a remedy for such conflicts, Nassar cautioned against romanticizing it.

“Even if democracy is considered the least bad form of government, it doesn’t solve everything—especially when minorities feel unheard or excluded,” he said.

He added that coups are not always aimed at toppling authoritarian elites but sometimes target democratic regimes themselves.

“When minorities are ignored, they may resort to violence, as seen in Corsica, the Basque Country, or Northern Ireland.”

To prevent violence, he said, it is vital to understand what drives individuals or groups to take up arms.

“These motives often stem from oppression, unmet needs, or ideology,” he said. “Such conditions create fear, frustration, and the belief that violence is the only way to be heard. Demands for independence or identity recognition often collide with the will of the majority.”

Nassar also criticized revolutionary movements that dismiss democratic mechanisms and use ideology to justify violence.

“When dialogue collapses and institutions lose the people’s trust, conflict becomes almost inevitable,” he said, arguing that the solution lies in making democracy more inclusive and responsive, especially to the needs of marginalized groups.

Conflict prevention, he added, must begin by restoring trust in democratic institutions and ensuring fair representation. Mechanisms like referendums, trade unions, and political parties play a critical role in giving people a voice and channeling discontent into peaceful expression.

“A balanced response in times of crisis is key,” Nassar said, citing France’s response to the May 1968 student protests as an example of how wise crisis management can defuse tension and lead to reform.

He emphasized that dialogue is foundational to peacebuilding.

“To resolve disputes, we must first recognize their existence and then seriously commit to addressing them,” he said.

Nassar identified three pillars for lasting peace: trust in state institutions, a fair legal framework, and a shared sense of justice.

Commenting on Lebanon’s constitution, Nassar noted that it is not enough to simply have one.

“Citizens must feel they are part of the system—and that the system serves them,” he said. “When laws reflect people’s concerns, they are more likely to respect them. Lebanese citizens must take ownership of their institutions if the country is to prevent further violence and achieve peace.”

Nassar concluded by urging Lebanese society to confront its past and embrace its diversity, warning against imposing a single narrative of the civil war.

“The country must acknowledge and respect all perspectives. National unity can only be built by accepting different historical truths and working together toward a shared future,” he said.

He thanked former President Amine Gemayel for organizing the event through the “Maison du Futur”, calling it an important platform to examine the underlying causes of internal violence.

“Lebanon, more than most countries, needs to find constructive and lasting ways to deal with its internal divisions.”

Nassar ended his remarks by recalling Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel's call for a truth and reconciliation conference. He expressed hope that the conference would open the door to new ideas and steps toward building a more unified nation.