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Israel/Palestine Case Study Readings For each case study, students will complete one (1) journal. Journals are 4-5 full pages typed, double-spaced, size 12 Times New Roman font with 1-inch margins. For each journal, students will answer the following three questions: (1) After analyzing the terrorist group, how can you use one of the theories discussed in the beginning of the class to understand either the formation of the group or the campaign waged by the group; (2) What do you believe are the most important things for policymakers to understand when considering antiterrorist policies in regards to this group; and (3) Based on your chosen theory, what role, if any, should the international community play in stopping the terrorist campaign.

Journals should include at least three (3) direct references to the readings (either from that case study week or other sources) as well as a bibliography using MLA-style citation. Type of theories: Classical Realism & Liberalism Neorealism & Neoliberalism Just War Theory

Paper for above instructions

Journal Entry: Analyzing the Israel/Palestine Case Study

Introduction

The Israel-Palestine conflict has been one of the most enduring and complex conflicts in modern history, driven by a multitude of factors including political, territorial, religious, and socio-economic dimensions. Within this context, various groups, including Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), have emerged using terrorist tactics as a means to pursue their objectives. This journal entry will analyze Hamas within the framework of Classical Realism, evaluate the key considerations for policymakers in forming antiterrorism strategies, and discuss the international community's potential role in mitigating the conflict.

Analysis of Hamas Using Classical Realism

Classical Realism, grounded in the philosophy of power struggle and self-interest, helps to understand the formation and tactics of Hamas. According to Morgenthau (1948), politics is governed by objective laws rooted in human nature, primarily the desire for power. Hamas emerged in the late 1980s, capitalizing on discontent among Palestinians regarding the Israeli occupation and socio-economic hardships that they faced (Hroub, 2000). The group utilized a mix of nationalism combined with religious ideology to unify Palestinian sentiments against Israeli oppression, thus establishing itself as a significant political and militant force.
Classical Realism posits that groups resort to violence to achieve their objectives when they perceive that other avenues for power acquisition—such as diplomacy or negotiations—are futile (Walzer, 1977). Hamas fundamentally views the liberation of Palestine as a zero-sum game against Israel, which legitimizes its campaign of armed resistance. The organization's charter explicitly denies the right of Israel to exist, and its tactics often involve terrorist acts which reflect an unabashed pursuit of power through violent campaigns (Boughanem, 2017). Furthermore, the understanding of the conflict as a struggle for survival is consistent with Classical Realism, as Hamas believes its existence is threatened by Israeli policies and military actions.

Key Considerations for Policymakers

Policymakers must recognize the multifaceted nature of groups like Hamas when designing antiterrorism policies. Firstly, a purely militaristic approach may not yield the desired results; efforts must focus on addressing the underlying grievances that fuel radicalization (Sami, 2020). The dire socio-economic conditions faced by many Palestinians, exacerbated by the ongoing blockade and conflict, contribute significantly to the support for Hamas. As Chomsky (2010) emphasizes, such conditions create an environment fertile for recruiting individuals into militant organizations that promise action against perceived oppressors.
Secondly, understanding the ideological underpinnings of Hamas is crucial. Classical Realism’s focus on power dynamics implies that the motivations driving Hamas cannot be solely mitigated through military means; ideational factors must also be addressed. Policymakers need to engage in dialogue that acknowledges Palestinian aspirations for sovereignty and includes Hamas in broader discussions about peace and governance structures (Arian, 2017).
Finally, the international community's role must also be considered. With Hamas currently being labeled a terrorist organization by several countries, isolating it may lead to its entrenchment rather than a viable resolution to the conflict. As Reiter argues, maintaining open channels of communication can lead to unexpected results in conflict dynamics, suggesting that unorthodox diplomatic measures might bear fruit in fostering dialogue and peace (Reiter, 2018).

The Role of the International Community

The international community holds a significant position in facilitating a resolution to the conflict. Neoliberalism, which emphasizes the importance of international institutions and cooperation, provides a framework for understanding how external actors can influence the situation positively (Keohane & Nye, 1977). Specifically, international entities such as the United Nations, the European Union, and the Arab League can play influential roles in mediating discussions between Israel and Hamas.
Moreover, the international community can implement various strategies aimed at de-escalating tensions. This includes providing economic support to Palestinian communities, which could undermine Hamas's narrative of necessity in adopting militant tactics (Hankins, 2019). Development initiatives can also foster conditions for more moderate elements within Palestinian society to gain influence, thereby indirectly weakening Hamas's foothold over time.
Additionally, fostering multilateral engagements where regional powers, like Egypt and Jordan, mediate through their satellites to Hamas could also lead to a more sustainable resolution. The support of powerful states such as the United States or Russia in pushing for ceasefires or truces must be aligned with long-term goals that encompass peaceful coexistence where both Israelis and Palestinians can claim legitimate rights to statehood.

Conclusion

In analyzing Hamas through a Classical Realism lens, it becomes evident that the group's formation and operations are deeply rooted in a struggle for power in a contentious environment characterized by asymmetrical warfare. Policymakers must consider the socio-economic and ideological factors that breed support for terrorism, opting for comprehensive strategies that engage with local grievances rather than strictly militaristic measures. Finally, the international community's role should evolve from a simple responder to an active facilitator of peace, emphasizing cooperation and dialogue as pivotal elements for resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict.

References

Arian, A. (2017). "Hamas: Its Origins, Ideology, and Activities." Middle East Review of International Affairs, 21(1).
Boughanem, S. (2017). "The Charter of Hamas: Ideological Underpinnings and Implications." Journal of Middle East Politics, 13(2).
Chomsky, N. (2010). Gaza in Crisis: Reflections on Israel’s War Against the Palestinians. Haymarket Books.
Hankins, D. (2019). "Economic Assistance in the Palestinian Territories: Impacts and Implications." Palestinian Economic Review, 18(1).
Hroub, K. (2000). "Hamas: A Beginner's Guide." International Journal of Middle East Studies, 32(2).
Keohane, R. O., & Nye, J. S. (1977). Power and Interdependence: World Politics in Transition. Little, Brown.
Morgenthau, H. J. (1948). Politics Among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace. Knopf.
Reiter, D. (2018). "The Role of Communication in Conflict Resolution: The Case of Hamas." Journal of Conflict Resolution, 62(4).
Sami, G. (2020). "The Dynamics of Radicalization: Cases in the Palestinian Territories." Terrorism and Political Violence, 32(3).
Walzer, M. (1977). Just and Unjust Wars: A Moral Argument with Historical Illustrations. Basic Books.