Hezbollah: Socialisation and its Tragic Ironies

Hezbollah's political behavior is driven by its religio-political identity and doctrine, which inspire it to pursue politico-strategic goals, particularly war-making with Israel, transforming it into a powerful and sophisticated armed political movement.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2018
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Hezbollah's political behavior is shaped by a combination of factors, including its religio-political identity and doctrine, as well as its politico-strategic goals. This book challenges the long-held belief that the establishment of an Islamic state in Lebanon was the primary goal of Hezbollah, and instead traces its political trajectory from its birth in 1982 to 2017. It identifies the religio-political identity and doctrine that inspire Hezbollah, as well as the politico-strategic goals that motivate it.

One of the key factors that drive Hezbollah's political behavior is its war-making with Israel. Hezbollah has been involved in a series of conflicts with Israel since its inception, and these conflicts have played a significant role in shaping its identity and doctrine. Hezbollah's ideology is based on a combination of Islam, nationalism, and resistance to Israeli occupation. The group believes that Israel is an illegitimate state that must be destroyed, and it has used violence to achieve this goal.

Hezbollah's war-making with Israel has had a profound impact on the region. It has transformed the Islamist movement from a loose organization into one of the world's most powerful and sophisticated armed political movements. Hezbollah has developed a sophisticated military infrastructure, including a large arsenal of weapons, training facilities, and a network of supporters. It has also established a political presence in Lebanon, where it has won several elections and has a significant role in the country's government.

However, Hezbollah's war-making with Israel has also had negative consequences. The group has been accused of terrorism and has been targeted by Israeli military forces. This has led to a cycle of violence that has continued for decades and has resulted in significant human casualties. Hezbollah has also been criticized for its involvement in regional conflicts, such as the Syrian civil war, where it has supported the government of Bashar al-Assad.

Despite these challenges, Hezbollah remains a significant political force in the region. It has a strong base of support among Lebanese Shiites, and it has been able to maintain its influence in the country's government. Hezbollah has also been able to use its military capabilities to protect Lebanon from Israeli aggression.

In recent years, Hezbollah has also been involved in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict with Israel. The group has participated in negotiations with Israel and has been involved in efforts to establish a Palestinian state. However, these efforts have been met with resistance from Israel and have not yet resulted in a resolution.

Hezbollah's political behavior is also influenced by its relationship with Iran. Hezbollah is a member of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and it receives financial and military support from Iran. This support has played a significant role in Hezbollah's ability to develop its military capabilities and to maintain its influence in the region.

However, Hezbollah's relationship with Iran has also been a source of controversy. Some critics argue that Hezbollah is a proxy for Iran and that it is used to promote Iran's interests in the region. Hezbollah has denied these allegations, but it has been accused of supporting terrorist groups in the region, such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

In conclusion, Hezbollah's political behavior is shaped by a combination of factors, including its religio-political identity and doctrine, as well as its politico-strategic goals. Its war-making with Israel has driven its socialisation in Lebanon and the region, transforming the Islamist movement from a loose organization into one of the world's most powerful and sophisticated armed political movements. However, Hezbollah's war-making with Israel has also had negative consequences, and it remains a significant political force in the region. Hezbollah's relationship with Iran has also been a source of controversy, and it will be important to monitor the group's activities in the future to ensure that it does not pose a threat to regional stability.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 156 x 232 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474419512