Axis of Resistance - Asymmetric Deterrence Rules of Game in Contemporary Middle East

An in-depth analysis of the primary conflicts animating the contemporary struggle over the regional order of the Middle East.
From the conflict between the United States and the Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria to the recent Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, events in today's Middle East reflect the emergence of what has come to be known as an Iran-led "axis of resistance." A geopolitical network of state- and nonstate actors seeking to promote a new regional order, the "axis" primarily includes the Lebanese Hezbollah, Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Yemen's Houthi rebels, Syria, and multiple Iran-supported Shiite militias in Iraq. Drawing on qualitative in-depth research in Hebrew and Arabic, and on exclusive interviews with senior Israeli officials, Axis of Resistance offers the first comprehensive analysis of the evolution of the "axis" and its application of a distinct strategic approach to asymmetrical conflicts-that of "resistance." Author Daniel Sobelman shows that the various "resistance" forces in the region have pursued an analogous asymmetrical deterrent strategy whose origins trace back to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in southern Lebanon, whereby the weaker actor attempts to subject the stronger state to limiting "rules of the game."

About the author

Daniel Sobelman is Assistant Professor of International Relations at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's International Relations Department, a former Arab affairs correspondent for the Israeli daily Haaretz, and a Research Fellow with Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Product details

• Authors: Daniel Sobelman
• Publisher: State University of New York Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.01.2025
• EAN: 9798855800814
• ISBN: 9798855800814
• No. of pages: 290
• Subjects: Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education; HISTORY / Middle East / General, POLITICAL SCIENCE / International Relations / Arms Control, POLITICAL SCIENCE / International Relations / Diplomacy, POLITICAL SCIENCE / World / Middle Eastern, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Developing & Emerging Countries, Middle East, Politics & government, Diplomacy, Politics and government, Middle Eastern history, Development Studies, Development economics & emerging economies, Development economics and emerging economies, Arms negotiation & control, Arms negotiation and control