Benedetta Berti: The surprising way groups like ISIS stay in power

The surprising way groups like ISIS stay in power

ISIS, Hezbollah, Hamas. These three very different groups are known for violence — but that’s only a portion of what they do, says policy analyst Benedetta Berti. They also attempt to win over populations with social work: setting up schools and hospitals, offering safety and security, and filling the gaps left by weak governments. Understanding the broader work of these groups suggests new strategies for ending the violence.

Non-state armed groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and ISIS do far more than wage violence. They run schools, hospitals, and social programs, often stepping in where governments fail to provide security or basic services. In places where states are weak, these groups build community ties and legitimacy through social work and governance. Understanding this hybrid role is vital for crafting effective peace strategies and long-term stability.