The "axis of resistance": Iran's expansion in the Middle East is hitting a wall

Die "Achse des Widerstands": Irans Expansion im Nahen Osten stößt an Grenzen
[research report]

Corporate Editor
Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik -SWP- Deutsches Institut für Internationale Politik und Sicherheit

Abstract

Since 2011 the Islamic Republic of Iran has significantly extended its influence in the Middle East. The expansion reached its apex in 2018. It has since entered a new phase in which Tehran, despite not suffering any strategic military setbacks, is hitting a wall. Iran's biggest fundamental problem ... view more

Since 2011 the Islamic Republic of Iran has significantly extended its influence in the Middle East. The expansion reached its apex in 2018. It has since entered a new phase in which Tehran, despite not suffering any strategic military setbacks, is hitting a wall. Iran's biggest fundamental problem is that a majority of its allies in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen are primarily military and terrorist actors. They frequently succeed in armed confrontations. Yet they are subsequently incapable of ensuring political and economic stability. The best option for German and European policymakers is a strategy of containment so as to put an end to Iran’s expansion in the four countries mentioned above, but also to acknowledge in the short term that Tehran and its allies are in a position of strength. Part of such a containment strategy would be to impose the most far-reaching isolation and sanctions possible on Iran’s armed partners. This includes adding Lebanese Hezbollah, the Hezbollah Battalions, Asa’ib Ahl al-Haqq and other militias loyal to Iran, including their leaders, to all relevant terrorism lists. Should Iranian institutions and actors involved in its policy of expansion in the Middle East also be listed as terrorists? The close ties between the Quds Corps - which is in charge of Iran's policy towards its Arab neighbours - and unequivocally terrorist organisations such as Lebanese Hez­bollah suggest that this step is necessary. (author's abstract)... view less

Keywords
Iran; Middle East; foreign policy; political influence; security policy; policy of expansion; alliance policy; hegemonical policy; paramilitary group; terrorism; international security; civil war; Lebanon; Syria; Iraq; Yemen; Saudi Arabia; containment policy; conflict management

Classification
International Relations, International Politics, Foreign Affairs, Development Policy
Peace and Conflict Research, International Conflicts, Security Policy

Free Keywords
Naher und Mittlerer Osten; Einmischung in die inneren Angelegenheiten von Staaten; Förderung/Unterstützung; Nichtstaatliche bewaffnete Gruppe; Schiiten; Stellvertreterkrieg; Regionale internationale Sicherheit; Beispielhafte Fälle; Länderbezogene Beiträge; Regionaler internationaler Konflikt; Hizb Allah (Lubnan); Sipah-i Pasdaran (Iran); Huthi-Konflikt

Document language
English

Publication Year
2021

City
Berlin

Page/Pages
35 p.

Series
SWP Research Paper, 6/2021

DOI
https://doi.org/10.18449/2021RP06

ISSN
1863-1053

Status
Published Version; reviewed

Licence
Deposit Licence - No Redistribution, No Modifications