October 30, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT - Zoom

What Is the Future of the Axis of Resistance?

The so-called Axis of Resistance, which includes Hezbollah, Iran-aligned militias in Iraq, Assad-led Syria, the Houthis, Hamas, and others, has faced some of the most significant setbacks in its history. Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated by Israel in Tehran, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and most of the senior leadership were killed by Israel, and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who held considerable influence, was killed in Gaza. It remains unclear if Israel will target IRGC commanders within Iran as part of its promised retaliation for an Iranian ballistic missile attack, which followed strikes on Axis leaders.

Political scientists have long debated the long-term effectiveness of leadership decapitation in terrorist groups, with mixed results. What lies ahead for the Axis of Resistance? Can it recover from the loss of high-profile leaders who had strong personal followings? Will these groups face internal conflict or leadership struggles? Or will they demonstrate resilience? What is Israel’s ultimate objective, if any, in targeting the Axis?

Join for a discussion that explores these questions and more, featuring Steven Simon, senior research fellow at the Quincy Institute, Nir Rosen, writer, journalist, and filmmaker, and Narges Bajoghli, assistant professor of Middle East Studies at the Johns Hopkins-SAIS. Adam Weinstein, deputy director of the Middle East program at the Quincy Institute, will moderate.

To register: What Is the Future of the Axis of Resistance? - Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft