Historically, confronting Hezbollah was a dangerous taboo in Lebanese politics. Now, facing a potential Israeli invasion, the government has explicitly stated its aim to disarm the group, representing a significant shift in the Overton window of what is politically discussable and possible.
Contrary to the Western assumption that economic development leads to secularism, Muslim-majority nations like Indonesia and Malaysia are becoming more religious. Public piety has evolved into a marker of social status and prestige, a trend amplified by modernization and social media, not diminished by them.
In Malaysia, platforms like TikTok act as a tool for enforcing religious norms. Viral videos of individuals perceived as violating religious standards can trigger official investigations and forced public apologies, demonstrating how digital platforms are co-opted to enforce social and religious conservatism.
Hezbollah maintained popular support by providing extensive social services, acting as a "state within a state." However, this social contract has weakened due to financing problems from its patron, Iran. This has eroded its domestic support base even before the latest conflict escalated, making it more vulnerable.
Born with a cleft palate, philosopher Jürgen Habermas found public speaking an ordeal. This personal struggle ironically fueled his life's work on the ideal society, which he envisioned as a "public sphere" built on civil, rational conversation, reflecting a deep-seated belief in the power of communication he personally found challenging.