Who Are We? Sa’adeh’s Doctrine of National Identity and Sovereignty | By Dr. Edmond Melhem

Central to Sa´adeh ‘s doctrine is the concept of national identity, which must not remain vague, ambiguous, or abstract, but must be defined clearly, logically, and precisely. Sa´adeh firmly believed that a nation’s strength and prosperity lie in its ability to preserve its identity and promote its unique cultural, historical, and linguistic heritage. For him, the fundamental philosophical question that serves as the starting point of every correct national endeavour is, “Who are we?” This question lies at the core of the national problem and holds the key to its solution. After thorough investigation, Sa´adeh unequivocally determined that we are Syrians, and the Syrians constitute a complete nation. According to him, Syria rightfully belongs to the Syrian people, who have been deprived of many important resources due to the absence of nationalist consciousness. To vindicate the principle of national sovereignty, Sa´adeh asserted that the realization of Syrians’ complete nationhood and an active consciousness of this identity are two essential prerequisites.