Iranian proxies in the Syrian conflict: Tehran’s ‘forward-defence’ in action

Shahram Akbarzadeh, William Gourlay, Anoushiravan Ehteshami

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This article examines Iran’s ‘forward-defence’ strategy, in particular its deployment of proxy forces in the Syrian conflict. Iran’s expanded presence in regional conflicts is regarded by its adversaries as indication of hegemonic intent, while Tehran posits its regional posture as a defensive response to security threats. We argue that Iran’s ‘forward-defence’ strategy offers practical benefits, shaping strategic realities, and performative benefits, allowing Tehran to propagate a discourse of military fortitude. On balance, however, the strategy has fed suspicions of Iran’s intentions and increased hostility towards the Iranian leadership, thus is likely to be counterproductive.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)683-706
Number of pages24
JournalJournal of Strategic Studies
Volume46
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • forward-defence
  • Iran
  • proxy forces
  • security dilemmas
  • Syria

Cite this