The Intellectual and the Crafting of Arab Unity: A Reading of Nadim Al-Bitar's Project

Abstract

Nadim al-Bitar (1924-2014) is considered one of the most prominent Arab thinkers who sought to establish a comprehensive vision for understanding the crises facing the Arab nation and finding ways to overcome them. He relied on the concept of revolutionary ideology as a intellectual and methodological framework to bring about radical changes that contribute to overcoming the traditional structures that hinder progress. The true renaissance of the nation can only be achieved by adopting a unifying thought that forms a fundamental basis for building a national project that addresses the current fragmentation and divisions.

  Al-Bitar also focused on the pivotal role of intellectuals, whom he regarded as the force capable of shaping a collective awareness and directing it toward achieving the goals of revival. He clearly linked thought and practice through calling upon the educated elite to take responsibility for leading major transformations. Al-Bitar's project represents a distinguished intellectual effort that combines intellectual revolution, national work, and the role of the intellectual in bringing about comprehensive change, with the aim of achieving cultural renewal and liberation for the Arab nation.