Hezbollah: Mobilisation and Power

Hezbollah is a complex organization that has been declared many times since its inception in the early 1980s, but it has never stopped growing in power. This book provides a clear definition of Hezbollah, explains its evolution, and illustrates the political and identity-related path of the Shiite community. It is based on primary sources and hundreds of interviews with members, executives, and officials of the party.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2024
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

Hezbollah, a mysterious entity that has existed for nearly forty years, continues to captivate the world. Is it a terrorist group driven by an unwavering hatred for Israel, or the first Arab national resistance to have successfully defeated Tel Aviv's military forces? Should we view it as a patriotic and respectable political party or a fascist network that holds a central position in Lebanese political life? The intrigue surrounding Hezbollah stems from the complexity of studying it. Despite numerous predictions of its weakening and even demise since its inception in the early 1980s, the truth remains that Hezbollah has consistently expanded its power, both nationally and regionally. This book serves three primary purposes. Firstly, it offers a comprehensive definition of Hezbollah, providing a detailed account of the party's history, outlining its established internal structure, and examining the breadth of its social and political activities. Secondly, it delves into the evolution of the party's mobilization efforts. Finally, it explores a distinct yet interconnected path—political, yet primarily identity-driven—that of the Shiite community, which today constitutes the dominant segment of Lebanese society. This rigorous and extensively documented study, drawing upon primary sources and hundreds of interviews with members, executives, and officials of the party, unveils fresh perspectives on Hezbollah, the "Hezbollah phenomenon," and Lebanese politics at the dawn of the twenty-first century.

Introduction:
Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shiite political party and militant group, has been a subject of intense scrutiny and debate for decades. Founded in the early 1980s, it has emerged as a significant player in regional politics, with a strong presence in Lebanon and a growing influence in the Middle East. Despite its reputation as a terrorist organization, Hezbollah has also been praised for its social welfare programs and its role in defending Lebanese sovereignty. This book aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of Hezbollah, exploring its origins, structure, and political activities.

Origins and Development:
Hezbollah traces its origins back to the 1970s, during the Lebanese Civil War. The party was formed by Sheikh Fadlallah, a charismatic religious leader who sought to establish a Shiite-dominated state in Lebanon. Hezbollah's early activities were focused on defending Lebanese Shiites from persecution and discrimination by Christian militias and the Lebanese government.

Structure and Leadership:
Hezbollah is governed by a council of senior leaders, known as the "Shura Council." The council is led by Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, who has been the party's leader since 1982. Hezbollah's organizational structure is highly decentralized, with local branches and cells operating throughout Lebanon and the Middle East. The party also has a military wing, known as the "Jihad Council," which is responsible for its armed operations and training.

Political Activities:
Hezbollah has been involved in a range of political activities throughout its history. The party has supported the Lebanese government in various conflicts, including the Lebanese Civil War, the Israeli-Hezbollah War, and the Syrian Civil War. Hezbollah has also played a significant role in shaping Lebanese politics, particularly in the post-war period. The party has been a vocal advocate for the rights of Lebanese Shiites and has been involved in social welfare programs, such as healthcare and education.

International Relations:
Hezbollah has maintained close relations with Iran and Syria, both of which are supportive of the party's political and military objectives. The party has also been involved in proxy conflicts, such as the Israeli-Hezbollah War and the Syrian Civil War, in which it has supported opposing factions. Hezbollah's international relations have been a source of controversy and have contributed to its isolation from some Western countries.

Criticisms and Challenges:
Hezbollah has faced criticism and challenges from various quarters. The party has been accused of terrorism and violence, particularly in its involvement in the Israeli-Hezbollah War and the Syrian Civil War. Some Western countries have also imposed sanctions on Hezbollah, citing its support for terrorism and its role in destabilizing the region.

Conclusion:
Hezbollah is a complex and multifaceted organization that has played a significant role in Lebanese and regional politics. While the party has been criticized for its involvement in violence, it is also recognized for its social welfare programs and its role in defending Lebanese sovereignty. Understanding Hezbollah requires a nuanced and comprehensive approach that takes into account its historical context, political activities, and international relations. As the Middle East continues to be a region of significant geopolitical importance, it is essential to engage with Hezbollah and other actors in the region to promote stability and peace.

Weight: 614g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911723448