This book argues that war-making with Israel has driven Hezbollah's socialisation in Lebanon and the region, transforming the Islamist movement from a loose organization into one of the world's most powerful and sophisticated armed political movements.
Focusing on the challenges faced by 'late-forming states' in the Middle East, the book examines the intricate balance of domestic and international pressures that influence state survival. It offers a comprehensive model for understanding the dynamics of statehood in the Arab world, presenting a theoretical framework that elucidates the factors contributing to the resilience of these states amidst various dilemmas.