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

Akbarzadeh, Shahram; Gourlay, William; Ehteshami, Anoushiravan

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.

Citation

Akbarzadeh, S., Gourlay, W., & Ehteshami, A. (2023). Iranian proxies in the Syrian conflict: Tehran’s ‘forward-defence’ in action. Journal of Strategic Studies, 46(3), 683-706. https://doi.org/10.1080/01402390.2021.2023014

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 1, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Jan 4, 2022
• Publication Date: 2023-06
• Deposit Date: Feb 16, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 4, 2023
• Journal: Journal of Strategic Studies
• Print ISSN: 0140-2390
• Electronic ISSN: 1743-937X
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 46
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 683-706
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01402390.2021.2023014
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1213646