ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses how Hezbollah has shifted from being only a terrorist and guerrilla group to a dual status group as a political party, de facto government in parts of Lebanon, and guerrilla group fighting against Israel. It examines Hezbollah's role as a political party. The chapter focuses on the ability of Hezbollah to be a rational actor and use violence and non-violence strategically and a discussion of the conditions that make its dual status possible. It outlines Hezbollah's founding as a terrorist group in the 1980s, followed by its shift to a guerrilla group or armed militia fighting against Israel. Hezbollah leaders decided to no longer use political violence against other Lebanese factions, the first step toward gaining domestic legitimacy, but still maintain a distinct militia for the resistance movement against the Israeli occupation of south Lebanon. The chapter ends with a discussion of Hezbollah's legitimacy in the Lebanese political system today.
