In the mid-twentieth century, new types of warfare have emerged that are fought asymmetrically between a state and one or more nonstate actors (Ganor, 2015; Hoffman, 2007). The struggle now takes place not only on traditional military battlefields and is characterized by need to now also win a psychological war and a war for public opinion in and through the media has given rise to a new type of non-state actor: the Hybrid Terrorist Organization (Ganor, 2015; Hoffman, 2007). According to professor Boaz Ganor, a Hybrid Terrorist Organization is one that stands on two or, in many cases, three legs: The first one is that of the classic terrorist organization, that is a military or paramilitary organization that engages in terrorist acts. The second one extends the Da`wa system, which means the support of social welfare by offering consistently, over time and free of charge (or heavily subsidized) social services to its potential supporters. This provision of essential services leads to the seeding of the hearts of the public, an expansion of supporters and the generation of sympathy for terrorism. The third one involves the establishment of a political organization, which may merely represent its ideology, or it may compete in free and democratic campaigns and elections. The Hybrid Terrorist Organization uses democratic electoral processes to establish and strengthen its political power. This pillar is closely related to that of the Da`wa. People who have received financial support and welfare services from the terrorist organization are most likely to vote for representatives of the organization with which they have long been identified (Ganor, 2015). The three pillars complement each other and are smit interdependent. In the following, I will show how exactly the individual pillars interlock in practice, using the examples of the Hybrid Terrorist Organizations Hezbollah and Hamas.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- (a) Definition of a Hybrid Terrorist Organization
- (b) Hezbollah
- (b.1) Hezbollah as a military organization
- (b.2) Hezbollahs Da`wa system
- (b.3) Hezbollah as a political organization
- (c) Hamas
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper analyzes hybrid terrorist organizations, focusing on Hezbollah and Hamas as case studies. The objective is to examine how these groups integrate military, social welfare (Da'wa), and political strategies to achieve their goals. The analysis explores the evolution of these groups, demonstrating how they transitioned from primarily military organizations to more complex hybrid models.
- The definition and characteristics of hybrid terrorist organizations.
- The three pillars of hybrid terrorist organizations: military operations, social welfare programs (Da'wa), and political engagement.
- Hezbollah's evolution from a classic terrorist group to a hybrid organization.
- Hamas's strategic approach, balancing religious ideology with political pragmatism.
- Comparison of Hezbollah and Hamas as examples of hybrid terrorist organizations.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
(a) Definition of a Hybrid Terrorist Organization: This section introduces the concept of hybrid terrorist organizations, defining them as groups that combine military actions with social welfare programs (Da'wa) and political participation. It uses the work of Boaz Ganor to establish this framework.
(b) Hezbollah: This section details Hezbollah's development. It begins with its founding and early focus on military jihad, then traces its expansion into social services (Da'wa) and political involvement. The chapter examines Hezbollah's military activities, its extensive social welfare programs, and its strategic use of the Lebanese political system.
(b.1) Hezbollah as a military organization: This subsection focuses on Hezbollah's military actions, including its use of suicide attacks and its stated goal of eliminating Israel. Operational innovations and propaganda strategies are also discussed.
(b.2) Hezbollah's Da`wa system: This subsection examines Hezbollah's significant social and educational infrastructure. It outlines the four strategies employed by Hezbollah in its Da'wa system: financial assistance, medical care, education, and media outreach.
(b.3) Hezbollah as a political organization: This subsection details Hezbollah's entry into the Lebanese political system and its influence on Lebanese politics at various levels. It highlights the lack of separation between its political and military activities.
(c) Hamas: This section provides an overview of Hamas, its founding, and its goals as outlined in its charter. It discusses Hamas's blend of religious ideology and national liberation goals, highlighting the organization's strategic pragmatism and flexibility in pursuing its objectives.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Hybrid terrorist organizations, Hezbollah, Hamas, Da'wa, terrorism, political Islam, military operations, social welfare, political participation, Lebanon, Palestine, Iran, strategic pragmatism, jihad.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2021, Analysis of the Hybrid Terrorist Organizations Hezbollah and Hamas, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1362680