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Since 1982, Hezbollah has evolved from a “revolutionary vanguard” terrorist organi zation bent on violently overthrowing the Lebanese government to a hybrid terrorist organization that uses legitimate political tools to the same end. Today Hezbollah operates on the civilian plane of da’wa, social welfare, and religious education; the military–Resistance plane (jihad); and the political plane. In its drive to dominate Shi’ite society, Hezbollah overcame its chief rival, Amal, and now plays a decisive role in Lebanon’s political system and the Middle East. Understanding Hezbollah’s emer gence as a prototypical hybrid terrorist organization is key to understanding global and local jihad movements