Ali Alfoneh

Senior Fellow, AGSIW

Ali Alfoneh is a senior fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. He is a political scientist by training and the originator of the theory of transformation of the Islamic Republic into a military dictatorship. Alfoneh first put forward the theory in the spring 2006 edition of Udenrigs, journal of The Danish Foreign Policy Society. In the United States since 2007, Alfoneh advanced the theory in a series of essays published by the American Enterprise Institute culminating in Iran Unveiled: How the Revolutionary Guards are Transforming Iran from Theocracy into Military Dictatorship published by AEI Press in April 2013. He is also the author of Political Succession in the Islamic Republic of Iran: Demise of the Clergy and the Rise of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (2020).

Iran Media Review content-type in which the post is published

Former Parliamentarian on the Not-So-Hidden Cost of the Sanctions Regime: Corruption

The March 24 edition of the Iran Media Review highlights how sanctions evasion worsens corruption in Iran.

Iran Media Review content-type in which the post is published

Iraq to Contain the Kurdish Opposition and Pay Its Debts to Iran in Emirati Dirhams

The March 21 edition of the Iran Media Review explores reactions to a mainly security cooperation deal between Iran and Iraq that incorporates economic cooperation with the United Arab Emirates.

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Iran’s Diplomatic Offensive Signifies Consensus in Tehran

The March 17 edition of the Iran Media Review explores commentary on Iranian diplomatic activity with Gulf Arab states.

Iran Media Review content-type in which the post is published

Iranian Officials and State-Censored Media React to Resumption of Diplomatic Relations With Saudi Arabia

The March 14 edition of the Iran Media Review explores the range of reactions from Iranian officials and media outlets to the agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore ties.

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Iran and Saudi Arabia: Fragile Managed Rivalry

Tehran and Riyadh have agreed to restore diplomatic relations, however, every actor who stands to lose from the agreement has strong incentives to sabotage it.

Iran Media Review content-type in which the post is published

Iranian-Saudi Relations: Neither “Grand Peace” nor Grand Catastrophe in Sight

The March 10 edition of the Iran Media Review examines Iranian commentary on the prospects for diplomacy between Tehran and Riyadh.

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The Iranian Opposition Abroad: Lack of Unity Limits Prospects

As long as the Iranian opposition lacks leadership, organization, and a shared vision for Iran’s future, it is unlikely to pose any serious challenge to the current Iranian regime.

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Shargh Daily Asks Why the Currencies of Crisis-Stricken Afghanistan, Iraq, and Russia Haven’t Collapsed

The March 7 edition of the Iran Media Review assesses how different Iranian media outlets are responding to Iran’s currency crisis.

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With Eyes Wide Open, Iran Moves Toward More Unrest

The March 3 edition of the Iran Media Review examines commentary on the possibility that Iran’s economic troubles will trigger a new round of protests.

Iran Media Review content-type in which the post is published

New Threats Against Iran International TV

The February 28 edition of the Iran Media Review explores responses to Iran International’s relocation from London to Washington, DC.