‘The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps: Defining Iran’s Military Doctrine’ by Alma Keshavarz dives into a powerful organization that is based in Iran called the IRGC. It is like a special military force that is involved in politics and the economy. Additionally, it is considered a major influential body. It has been an instrumental body that has played its part in transforming Iran’s military doctrine.
The book aims to explain the foundation of the IRGC and Quds Force after the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and how it is much different than a regular army. The forces of the IRGC use hybrid warfare tactics like supporting the rebel groups internationally. The most prominent element while reading the book is how the IRGC turned into a super powerful group inside the borders of Iran. They are not just soldiers anymore, but they are also involved in businesses and have a say in government decisions. There is a mix of conventional military actions alongside unconventional warfare tactics like militias and proxy groups. Hybrid warfare is usually underestimated while it emphasizes cyber warfare and asymmetrical capabilities. It is seemingly quite evident that the US and West often have been unprepared to counter such strategies which leads them into difficulties in containing Iran’s regional activities. By this aspect, the book serves as a crucial call for policymakers to develop a comprehensive understanding of the IRGC’s multifaceted approach.
Iran is a country that has its foreign policy driven by a defensive strategy. The IRGC has been mentioned by the author as a group that is organized and cohesive, has a depth of leadership, is responsive towards internal leadership, has population support, and goes to an extent to which it is goal-oriented with an effective strategy. The purpose of the IRGC in its formation was to be the vanguard of the Iranian Revolution of 1979 within Iran’s borders and later transformed into an elite group with economic, political, and foreign influence, directly impacting the US foreign policy towards Iran.
Resultantly, this makes it a little difficult to understand who may be in charge of Iran’s internal matters. Keshavarz meticulously explains how the Iran-Iraq War was a pivotal turning point since it exposed the limitations of Iran’s conventional military. In addition, the author sheds light on the IRGC’s relationship with proxy groups like Hezbollah of Lebanon. The IRGC fosters and utilizes these organizations to project the Iranian influence and challenges the US interests in the region. In addition, the author examines the IRGC’s involvement in the regional conflicts. Notably, like of Yemen and Iraq.
As much as the strengths, the book has its limitations. The readers may require a more nuanced analysis of potential weaknesses within the organization. It might leave the viewers seeking a deeper exploration of specific events with more details. The book is limited in its focus on the weakness in internal politics. It could’ve included matters such as corruption or the effectiveness of the IRGC’s decision-making processes. There is limited access to internal information and limited availability of reliable information on the IRGC’s plans.
Despite the limitations, the book stands as a valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand this critical player in the Middle East. The well-researched book sheds light on the historical evolution of the IRGC, its doctrinal innovations, and its expanding military and political influence. It is very compelling for comprehending Iran’s strategic outlook and its approach towards regional and international security challenges.
To conclude, the book is a must-read for policymakers, scholars, and anyone who has an interest in the contemporary politics of Iran and its complexities in the Middle East. It provides a clear and clear analysis of the IRGC’s capabilities and ambitions. This makes it a crucial resource for navigation in the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. The book is brilliant in terms of its conciseness, accessibility, and insightful analysis.
