Legitimizing Hamas: A Rejection of US Ideals About Terrorism
Abstract
Hamas has been categorized as a terrorist organization and a sociopolitical organization resembling a government. However, the “terrorist” label overshadows Hamas’ other role as a provider of governance to Gazans. This agenda of delegitimizing Hamas is pushed forward by the United States’ official perspective which represents its political objectives in conjunction with Israel; the US uses exclusionary policies to keep Hamas from achieving a legitimate political status. Despite these difficulties in entering the international political sphere, Hamas has shown a proclivity toward changing their policies from violence to democracy and vice versa to achieve their goal of liberation of the Palestinian Occupied Territories from Israel. Recognition of Hamas’ role as a liberator and representative of an officially ungoverned people may allow non-state actors to govern without relying on violence. This thesis attempts to answer the question of to what extent should Hamas be defined as a legitimate authority. US exclusionary policies have made Hamas’ attempts at political participation, a critical tenant of legitimacy, ineffective, but Hamas continues to pursue various methods of legitimacy.
Citation
Sultana, Fariha (2023). Legitimizing Hamas: A Rejection of US Ideals About Terrorism. Undergraduate Research Scholars Program. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /199665.