| Description |
Though Hamas is an organization based upon a distinct ideology and emphasizes the rigidity of its adherence to that ideology, its external relations reveal it as a pragmatic and logical actor. Constantly aware of its dependence on external financial aid and its popular support base, Hamas's actions have been carefully calculated to ensure that it gains and retains the greatest amount of latent power. Through this interpretation, Hamas's relationships with external entities, whether they are Islamist, Nationalist, or state actors, has changed as time and circumstance dictate. Viewing Hamas as a rational actor allows states and other organizations to begin to develop stronger ties to it that may prove beneficial to all the parties involved. It will be seen that those entities that see Hamas as pragmatic and rational work closely and/or emphasize the need for negotiation in order to integrate Hamas into the international community. |
