The role of ideology in explaining the strength of Iran’s proxy relationships

David M. Sip

Small Wars and Insurgencies, 2025, vol. 36, issue 5, 870-891

Abstract: Despite recent setbacks Iran maintains an expansive network of loyal proxies. This article will argue that Iran’s proxies are especially loyal when they only adhere to Khomeinism without any other ideologies in the mix, such as nationalism or tribal identities, and that this framework of ideological exclusivity explains Iran’s success formula for proxies. The argument for this framework is made through several case studies ranging from Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq to Nigeria. The findings of this article help better understand under which conditions Iran can form lasting proxy relationships and what the limiting factors are for Iran.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/09592318.2025.2488292

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