Realism applied to Hamas

Realism is an important theory that explains why states build up their arms to compete with other states. In the Middle East, terrorist organizations have increased their power, but these groups are not states in terms of the conventional definition that involves popular sovereignty and providing for the common good. In order for realism to apply to terrorist organizations, another definition of a state is needed. The definition that I will use to explain why terrorist groups are building up their arms in the context of realism is the weberian definition, that a state is an organization that successfully claims to exert a monopoly on physical force within a given territory. To apply realism to the terrorist organizations, they have to meet the criteria of a state by this alternate definition. As Hamas controls the resources of Gaza, and publicly executes political opponents, Hamas has the monopoly over the use of power. Hamas has increased their power within the last few years. The theory of realism can explain why they have accumulated power in the Middle East by using the weberian definition of a state.

As of 2005, Israel completely withdrew from Gaza by destroying the settlements and leaving the businesses behind so that the people of Gaza could create their own state and build up their own economy. Instead, the people of Gaza elected Hamas, a terrorist organization, to represent them. Since then, the militant terrorist group has built tunnels for terrorism, launched thousands of rockets, and kidnapped soldiers and civilians. The reason for these actions is that Hamas is trying to change the balance of power in the Middle East. It sees Israel as a threat to its existence, as Israel has a much more powerful government, military, economy, and basis of scientific knowledge. Hamas commits these violent acts of terror in order to weaken the State of Israel while building its own basis of power.

Hamas is trying to survive so that it could maintain its power. During Operation: Protective Edge, Israel went into Gaza to destroy the tunnels. By doing so, Israel was able to significantly weaken Hamas and its military components in order to protect itself from terrorism. As Hamas destroyed the economy of Gaza after Israel withdrew, they rely on humanitarian aid. Now, Hamas is attempting to build up its military power by asking for more humanitarian aid to rebuild gaza, with the ulterior motive of rebuilding the tunnels to continue the terrorism. This is referred to as self-help in an anarchic system; Hamas does not know Israel’s true intentions, so it is trying to build up its own power to compete with Israel as the United Nations consistently fails to reach an agreement between the two sides. As Israel is monitoring Hamas’ movements, it only sees trouble brewing as Hamas is rebuilding its military capabilities. In response, Israel raises its military and prepares for a defensive war in order to survive.

Because Hamas is a terrorist organization that controls Gaza and has the monopoly over physical force, it is a state according to the weberian definition. Realism explains that to survive, countries must compete for power as they are rational and do not know each other’s true intentions. Hamas is attempting to gain power in the Middle East by weakening its opponent. As it weakens the state of Israel, it is boosting its own power to ensure its own survival. By doing this, Hamas is acting as a rational entity in an anarchic system by using its militaristic capabilities.