ABSTRACT
Religion has played a central role in Hezbollah’s identity and policies since its creation and throughout its development from a resistance group to a prominent political party. This is particularly evident in the Party’s relationship with the Shi’ite community inside and outside of Lebanon, its relationship with Iran, and its acceptance of the principle of Wilayat al-Faqih. This chapter will provide the historical background to the emergence of Hezbollah and its transition to political participation in the Lebanese government. The Party’s early success in its resistance of Israel in southern Lebanon will also be discussed for the way it shaped the Party’s identity. I will also explore the nature of Hezbollah’s alliance with Iran for its implications for the Party’s role as a non-State actor in Lebanon and the Middle East. This will allow for the role of religion in the Party’s decision-making to be canvassed, along with the implications of Hezbollah’s religious identity for how it is perceived by the West in relation to global security.
