Hezbollah: Formation, Radicalization, and Recruitment.

Introduction

The Department of National Intelligence designated Hezbollah a terror organization in 1997 (DNI 2024). The article starts with an examination of the organization's origins and how it was formed. It then transitions to outlining Hezbollah’s recruitment process. The article further discusses the psychological vulnerabilities and primary motivations that drive individuals to join Hezbollah.

Hezbollah

Hezbollah identifies itself as a resistance movement and was officially formed in response to Israel's invasion of Lebanon in 1982. The group developed a manifesto emphasizing resistance to Israeli occupation, revitalizing ideology, and opposing unjust rule. This manifesto received approval from Imam Khomeini of Iran. However, Hezbollah did not formally announce its presence until the release of its declaration and strategy in 1985. Within Lebanon’s civil war, Hezbollah's rise and resistance was a response to perceived grievances (Nilsson 2020).

Factors Behind Hezbollah’s Growth

Instability in the Middle East fueled Hezbollah's rise. These factors encompassed Israel's defeats of Arab forces, challenges in public and economic development, state repression, uneven distribution of wealth, domestic conflicts, external meddling, and propaganda campaigns. These stressors intensified divisions throughout Lebanon, leading to a Civil War in 1975. War, hostility, and a sense of injustice intensified the radicalization process. As a result, Hezbollah formed its initial entity, the Amal Organization (Di Peri 2014).

After the 1979 Iran Revolution, the Shi’ite population aimed to empower marginalized communities. Iran offered robust leadership and financial backing, allowing the country to establish a strong presence in the region (Soimaru 2021).

Israel's 1982 Invasion of Lebanon

A pivotal event leading to the formation of Hezbollah was Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon. This military operation aimed to oust the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) from southern Lebanon and to expel the Syrian military presence. In the process, the Syrian Army retreated, and the PLO's operations in Lebanon were severely disrupted. However, Israel's prolonged occupation led to widespread discontent among the southern Lebanese, especially within the Shi'ite community. The rise of Hezbollah was fueled by perceptions of injustice, corruption, and oppression. The organization united various Shi'ite militias, all of which regarded Israel as an occupying force. In response to what was seen as Israeli aggression, in 1982, Iran dispatched around 1,500 Revolutionary Guards to the region, marking a significant step in extending its influence. This action solidified the connection between Hezbollah and Iran, thereby establishing Hezbollah as a prominent regional entity endorsed by Iran (Nizar 1993).?

Hezbollah built its reputation through social initiatives. In 1984, they publicly emerged on the second anniversary of the Sabra and Shatila massacres, during which many Palestinians perished. Israel imposed a siege on the refugee camps, allowing militias to enter, resulting in numerous Palestinian casualties. Following this, Hezbollah dedicated itself to the liberation of Palestine. Consequently, Hezbollah arose from a backdrop of oppression, grievances, and a shared identity (Soimaru 2021).

Inspirations

Naim Qassem, the organization's former deputy secretary, believed Hezbollah was founded on three essential pillars: ideology, resisting Israeli aggression, and the quest for fair governance (Soimaru 2021).

Hezbollah’s motivations, rooted in Qassem’s principles, encompassed religious obligation, personal identity, and societal issues. Key drivers involved perceptions of foreign injustice. Hezbollah cultivated a collective identity that unites members toward a common goal, enhancing loyalty among members.

Causes and Grievances

The prolonged period of violence and civil unrest in Lebanon caused substantial psychological challenges, thereby facilitating recruitment. Traumatic events intensified personal struggles like depression, creating a strong yearning for change. Hezbollah’s evolution and ongoing influence stemmed from its ability to tackle the basic needs and grievances of its members while positioning itself as an adversary to Israel’s occupation of the region (Vergani et al. 2018).

Influence

The complex blend of ideology, resistance, and the pursuit of fair governance enabled recruitment efforts. The group's appeal lies deeply in its religious mission, political engagement, and commitment to social welfare. Individuals are attracted to Hezbollah due to a sense of personal identity. Others are driven by Hezbollah's opposition to Israel, which is rooted in deep-seated grievances toward Palestine. Hezbollah's provision of social services such as healthcare and education played a key role in fostering loyalty. As a result, Hezbollah is portrayed as a champion against aggression and a force devoted to the welfare of its people and their values (Byman 2005).

Recruitment

Hezbollah's clerical ideology lends both credibility and a rationale for its strategic operations, advocating for the use of violence by framing it as a necessary response to oppression, notably what is seen as Israeli aggression. This ideology brings members together and attracts new recruits through common cultural values (Lindberg 2010).

Recruitment often flourishes in economically disadvantaged areas. In such places, individuals are more likely to be drawn to ideologies that offer promises of financial improvement or rewards, thus reinforcing a narrative of fair governance. Attracting candidates from underprivileged backgrounds increases their likelihood of responding to economic incentives. Consequently, Hezbollah's financial incentives are a pivotal recruiting tool, leveraging the recruits' desperate circumstances and vulnerabilities. The significance of these financial incentives cannot be overstated, particularly in contexts marked by economic hardship (Vergani et al. 2018).

Strain Theory

Strain Theory suggests that social, economic, or political grievances can compel individuals or groups to adopt unconventional behaviors, including joining terror organizations (Skoczylis & Andrews 2022). These grievances, known as push factors, often breed frustration and resentment. People who feel marginalized or deprived may find comfort in joining a terrorist organization, especially when traditional support systems fall short (Nagy & Groves 2021). As a result, ideologies typically offer a narrative structure that aids in understanding these grievance-laden experiences. In the face of injustice and oppression, having an ideological belief offers significant solace and empowerment. These ideologies validate grievances and encourage personal growth, thus hastening radicalization (Belanger, Moyano, Muhammad, and Richardson 2019).

Social Movement Theory

Social Movement Theory suggests that crises foster social experimentation and enhance the pursuit of meaning. This fosters an atmosphere conducive to embracing ideologies and movements. Over time, the capacity for critical thinking diminishes, thereby allowing individuals to adopt the ideologies espoused by the organization (Wiktorowicz 2004).

Psychology

Psychological factors may heighten an individual's susceptibility to recruitment and increase their vulnerability. A variety of factors, such as personality disorders, traumatic experiences, and specific psychological tendencies, can amplify the effectiveness of recruitment tactics and cause radicalization. These components are linked through a conceptual model called the three Ps. For example, a civil war can cause depression. Those experiencing depression often seek comfort, and individuals feeling a profound sense of emptiness might be driven to fill this void. Joining a terrorist organization can emerge as a solution for some, as it promises a sense of belonging or purpose. Therefore, radicalization emerges from a complex blend of push factors, pull factors, and personal vulnerabilities, demonstrating the intricate dynamics at play (Vergani, Iqbal, IlBahar, Barton, 2018).

Invasion and Radicalization

Israel initiated military incursions into Lebanon in 1978, 1982, 2006, and 2024. Israel also retained control over certain regions of Lebanon from 1982 until 2000, a duration of eighteen years. The occupation influenced a climate of hardship, grievances, and perceived injustice. Inequities and sensed injustices fuel radicalization. Consequently, recruits who join Hezbollah pursue a renewed sense of identity, comfort, and revenge. Yet, the process needed leadership. Before his death in 2024, Hasan Nasrallah served as Hezbollah's leader and chief administrator. Nasrallah exemplifies a prominent case of charismatic leadership, characterized by robust ideological inclinations that significantly enhance recruitment initiatives based on grievances. His leadership style demonstrates the impact of charisma on shaping ideology, enhancing commitment, fueling recruitment, and promoting collective action. Someone facing constant intrusions while grappling with cognitive dissonance would be immersed in admiration (Ranstorp 2007).

Leadership and Collective Identity

When encountering cognitive dissonance, Hezbollah’s clerical leadership plays a vital role in converting abstract ideas into action. It serves as a crucial connection that fortifies and safeguards ideological beliefs and inspirations. This leadership style enhances credibility and promotes cooperation, leading to a cohesive execution of strategy, collaboration, and groupthink. Charismatic and persuasive leaders have a distinct talent for uniting people around a shared vision, fostering deep loyalty and commitment (Hofmann and Dawson 2014).

Hezbollah's unwavering loyalty to its mission strengthens its collective identity. It further promotes wider regional solidarity, extending beyond its members' immediate communities. Hezbollah garners increased support by positioning itself as a defender of the Palestinian cause (Ranstorp 2006).

Conversely, the lack of effective leadership results in disorder and a decrease in productivity. This situation fosters an environment that is conducive to chaos and inefficiency, ultimately obstructing progress and hindering the attainment of organizational objectives (Khalili 2007). This explains Israel's 2024 offensive targeting Hezbollah’s leadership, culminating in Hasan Nasrallah's death. Israel’s strategy aimed to diminish productivity and fragmentize cohesion. Charismatic leaders such as Nasrallah played a significant role in enhancing the recruitment process and maximizing the potential of Hezbollah’s existing members. Nasrallah’s death undeniably initiated a ripple effect. While some saw his passing as a source of inspiration, others perceived it as the start of Hezbollah's fragmentation process.??

Diplomacy

In a notable instance of strategic diplomacy, Hezbollah facilitated a prisoner exchange with Israel in 2004. Israel agreed to release 29 Arab detainees, along with the remains of fifty-nine Lebanese and 400 Palestinian prisoners. This was offered in return for one Israeli intelligence officer taken captive and the remains of three Israeli soldiers. This event markedly enhanced Hezbollah's reputation. It further solidified its position as a key advocate for Palestinian solidarity (Khalili 2020).

Observing such diplomatic achievements may be particularly compelling for a marginalized citizen of Lebanon. Radicalization is a complex process shaped by diverse grievances, ideologies, contextual factors, and individual interpretations. When people feel oppressed, their likelihood of engaging in terrorism increases (Gill, Marrin, and Phythian 2009).

Conclusion

Hezbollah’s ideological response to grievances such as Israel’s military interventions and unjust rule was a source of internal cohesion and a mechanism for mobilizing support for its military and political endeavors, as well as its subsequent terror activities. The intertwining of religious convictions, political objectives, and social commitments makes Hezbollah's narrative particularly compelling for people struck by grievances, enabling it to galvanize support across different sections of society. As a result, Hezbollah maintains a significant influence over Lebanese politics and culture while positioning itself as a critical player in the broader geopolitical and sectarian landscape of the Middle East. For desolate members of society, Hezbollah is seen as resisting injustice.

This article attempted to demonstrate how Hezbollah’s three-fledged inspirations—ideology, Israeli aggression, and unjust rule — were used as powerful recruitment tools and catalysts for collective action. For members and potential recruits, the appeal of Hezbollah can be deeply personal and varied. Some may be drawn to its religious convictions, seeking membership to fulfill religious duties; others are attracted by its political stance against Israel, viewing participation as a form of resistance or liberation.

The article further illustrates how cognitive dissonance presents a vulnerability. Marginalization fosters an urge to resist. Consequently, an organization that appears to resist injustice draws attention. Moreover, by offering essentials such as healthcare, education, and opportunity to underserved communities, Hezbollah significantly boosts its recruitment. Notwithstanding Hezbollah's designation as a terrorist organization, individuals in the region who possess limited alternatives may opt to join.??

- Yosof Wanly ?

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