The Islamic Republic of Iran, although it has become famous for its foreign policy choices and actions on the international scene, it remains an enigma for the West. This book provides an introspective analysis of the foundation of this unique Islamic state, and reveal what makes it resilient, and attempts to sustain it. Taking a multidisciplinary approach using anthropological, philosophical, psychological, and military grids, the book revisits the power of the clergy and maps out its original meaning and its ability to be wielded to serve policies in line with Iran's contemporary political context. This book will be of interest to students and scholars of military strategy, international security, and geostrategy, as well as military officers and policy makers who will benefit from the fresh perspective it adds to the Western view of a country whose strategic and military thinking is still largely unknown or misunderstood.

Fatima Moussaoui holds a PhD in International Security from General Gutiérrez Mellado Military Institute, graduated from Sciences Po Paris, War College of Paris, Navy School of Brest. She is a Lecturer and Mentor at the Sciences Po Paris, School of Public Affairs, Department of Security & Defence, affiliated to the ESDR3C Chair at the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers in Paris. Her academic research focuses on geopolitics and geostrategies in the Middle East, the countries of the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea. In addition to her work as a Lecturer, she acts as a Policy Advisor to institutions and companies seeking expertise on MENA. Dr Fatima Moussaoui has over fifteen years' experience in the MENA media sector, as a journalist, director and producer of documentary films.