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.

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

The surprising way groups like ISIS stay in power

Hybrid organizations mix violence with social governance, challenging traditional notions of state and non-state actors.

Hezbollah and Hamas provide essential services like schools and hospitals, crafting a governance role where states falter.

Filling governance gaps, non-state actors like ISIS and Hezbollah blend political functions with military might, reshaping power dynamics.