When armed combatants employ nonviolent action: A case study of Hezbollah

In the study of nonviolent social movements, much ink has been spilled describing the actions of various organizations and presenting arguments for why groups involved in conflict should consider adopting a nonviolent approach. Pertinent questions still remain, however, as to what has motivated some armed combatants to use seemingly non-violent tactics as part of a wider strategy that also includes violent tactics. This thesis begins with an evaluation of the theory surrounding nonviolent action, and proceeds with a framework for the analysis of both violent and nonviolent action. The case of Hezbollah is thoroughly examined within this framework to determine the motivations for the Party's mixed usage of violent and nonviolent tactics. The analysis concludes with a typology of political action, which serves as a tool for scholars seeking to understand the phenomena of violent and nonviolent action. Specific implications for advocates of nonviolent action are drawn out as well.