Kasra Aarabi: A Leading Expert on Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and Regional Security
Kasra Aarabi is a prominent researcher and expert specializing in Iran’s military dynamics, particularly focusing on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Shi’a Islamist extremism. He has been instrumental in analyzing Iran’s regional influence, defense policies, and the ideological foundations of its military strategies. As the Director of IRGC Research at United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) and a non-resident scholar at the Middle East Institute, Aarabi has established himself as a leading voice on Iran’s geopolitical behavior. His work, combined with his academic achievements and in-depth expertise, positions him as an influential figure in Middle Eastern security and defense studies.
Early Career and Academic Background
Kasra Aarabi’s academic background laid the foundation for his career as an analyst and researcher. He earned a Master’s degree in International Relations from King’s College London, where he received distinction for his thesis on the Iran Nuclear Deal’s impact on the country’s foreign policy. Aarabi’s focus on Iranian politics, the impact of international sanctions, and Iran’s regional strategies became central themes in his research. Furthermore, Aarabi holds a First-Class Honors Bachelor’s degree in International Politics from King’s College London, where he also explored Iran’s nuclear negotiations and their broader political implications.
Aarabi’s academic journey has been further enriched by his pursuit of a PhD at the University of St Andrews, where he focuses on Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, security-defense issues, and civil-military relations. His ongoing research at St Andrews is expected to contribute significantly to the understanding of the IRGC’s role in shaping Iran’s political landscape and its security policies.
Career Highlights
Director of IRGC Research at United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI)
Since September 2023, Kasra Aarabi has served as the Director of IRGC Research at United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI). In this role, Aarabi is responsible for overseeing research on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an entity critical to understanding Iran’s military and political structure. UANI is an organization that seeks to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and aims to hold the Iranian government accountable for its destabilizing activities in the region. Aarabi’s role involves analyzing the IRGC’s military capabilities, its role in regional conflicts, and its ties with extremist groups. His research aims to provide key insights into the threat posed by the IRGC to global security.
Non-Resident Scholar at the Middle East Institute
Aarabi’s tenure as a non-resident scholar at the Middle East Institute further solidified his reputation as an expert on Iran’s security policies. His contributions to the Institute focus on the IRGC’s influence on Iran’s foreign policy, military strategies, and its role in regional conflicts. As part of his work at the Institute, Aarabi analyzes the military and political dynamics of countries in the Middle East, with particular emphasis on Iran’s expanding influence in the region.
Previous Role at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change
Before his current role at UANI, Kasra Aarabi worked for over five years at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. He started as an analyst and progressed to the position of Iran Programme Lead. Aarabi’s work involved researching Iran’s foreign policy, regional interventions, and ideological drivers behind Shi’a Islamist extremism. His time at the Tony Blair Institute allowed him to deeply investigate Iran’s influence in the Middle East, especially regarding its relations with Shi’a militias and extremist groups.
Early Roles in the House of Commons
Kasra Aarabi’s career began in the UK House of Commons, where he worked as a coordinator and researcher for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Iran. He also served as a foreign policy researcher for Rt Hon Jack Straw MP, the former UK Foreign Secretary. During these early roles, Aarabi gained invaluable insights into the UK’s policy towards Iran and the broader Middle East. His research during this time focused on Iran’s nuclear program and the political and economic ramifications of international sanctions.
Contributions to Middle Eastern Geopolitics
Kasra Aarabi’s expertise in Iranian politics and security has made him an authoritative voice in understanding the dynamics of the Middle East. His research has focused on several key aspects of Iranian influence, including:
Iran’s Military Strategy and Regional Influence
Aarabi has extensively researched Iran’s military strategy, particularly the role of the IRGC in shaping Iran’s regional policies. His work explores how the IRGC has expanded its influence beyond Iran’s borders, particularly in countries like Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen. By supporting proxy groups and militias, the IRGC has effectively transformed the balance of power in the Middle East, pushing Iran’s political and ideological agenda throughout the region. Aarabi’s analysis provides a clear understanding of how the IRGC operates as a powerful force, both militarily and ideologically, in the Middle East.
Ideological Drivers Behind Iran’s Policies
One of Aarabi’s primary areas of focus is the ideological foundation of Iran’s policies, particularly the role of Shi’a Islamist extremism. He has explored how Iran’s Shia Islamist ideology is mobilized both within the country and internationally. This ideology forms the basis for Iran’s approach to governance, foreign relations, and its support for proxy groups that align with its vision of a Shi’a-led regional order. Aarabi’s research has mapped out the ideological fundamentals of the Iranian state, shedding light on the broader implications of Iran’s policies for global security.
The IRGC’s Influence on Domestic and International Politics
Aarabi’s research on the IRGC’s influence extends beyond its military activities. He has examined the Corps’ role in domestic politics, highlighting how the IRGC has become deeply embedded in Iran’s political, economic, and security apparatus. The IRGC’s vast network of influence within the country allows it to control key sectors of the Iranian economy and maintain political stability for the regime. Aarabi’s work also addresses the IRGC’s international reach, including its connections to extremist groups and its involvement in global terrorism.
Speaking Engagements and Media Presence
Kasra Aarabi is frequently invited to speak at major conferences and events, offering insights into the dynamics of Iranian politics and security. His speaking engagements include discussions on the implications of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, its role in regional conflicts, and the future of the Middle East. Aarabi has spoken at renowned institutions such as the London School of Economics and the European Foundation for Democracy, where he has shared his analysis on the ideological and political challenges posed by Iran.
In addition to speaking engagements, Aarabi has contributed to various media outlets, providing expert commentary on Iran’s policies and regional developments. His work has been featured in policy papers, academic journals, and major media platforms, where he continues to be a go-to expert for understanding Iran’s political landscape.
Conclusion
Kasra Aarabi’s extensive experience and academic background have made him a leading authority on Iran’s military and political dynamics. His research on the IRGC, regional security, and Shi’a Islamist extremism continues to shape discussions on Iran’s influence in the Middle East and beyond. As the Director of IRGC Research at United Against Nuclear Iran and a non-resident scholar at the Middle East Institute, Aarabi’s work remains critical in understanding the complexities of Iranian geopolitics and the challenges posed by the country’s expanding influence. His contributions will undoubtedly continue to play a pivotal role in shaping international perspectives on Iran’s policies and regional security.
