Syria stands at a crossroads, and with it, the dynamics of power in the Middle East are shifting. Iran, through its ‘Axis of Resistance,’ remains a key player, wielding significant influence across Syria, Iraq, and beyond. Yet, beneath the surface, grassroots movements are rising—both within Iran and across the region—challenging the status quo and complicating strategies for allies and adversaries alike.

At The Conduit, experts delve into the high-stakes drama of state power, resistance networks, and grassroots movements, uncovering how these forces are redefining the Middle East’s future.

Speakers:

Dr. Andreas Krieg is an associate professor at the School of Security Studies at King’s College London. His research focuses on the symbiotic relationship between state and non-state actors in a world of networked statecraft. With two decades of experience living and working in the Middle East, Dr. Krieg has developed deep regional expertise. His most recent publications include Subversion – The Strategic Weaponization of Narratives (2023) and Surrogate Warfare (2019), both with Georgetown University Press.

Dr. Krieg has been involved in professional military and diplomatic education for nearly 15 years, teaching strategic leaders at the UK Defence Academy, the Royal College of Defence Studies, Qatar’s National Defence College, and other staff colleges worldwide. A sought-after commentator in print and broadcast media on strategic influence, statecraft, and regional security, Dr. Krieg has also worked extensively as an advisor and consultant for the private sector and governments on security and risk in the MENA region. In 2019, he founded the London-based risk consultancy firm MENA analytica, offering bespoke risk products to a diverse client base.

Professor Ali Ansari is a professor of Iranian History and director of the Institute for Iranian Studies at the University of St Andrews. He is also a Senior Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute and president of the British Institute for Persian Studies.

Prof. Ansari has authored several influential books, including The Politics of Nationalism in Modern Iran (CUP, 2012), Crisis of Authority: Iran’s 2009 Presidential Election (Chatham House, 2010), Iran Under Ahmadinejad (Adelphi Paper, IISS, 2008), Confronting Iran: The Failure of US Policy and the Roots of Mistrust (Hurst, 2006), Modern Iran Since 1921: The Pahlavis and After (2nd Edition, Longman, 2007), and Iran, Islam & Democracy – The Politics of Managing Change (2nd Edition, RIIA, 2006).

Negin Shiraghaei is the founder of Azadi Network and a former BBC Persian news anchor. She is widely recognized for her dedication to amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups in Iran and advocating for human rights. Since the death of Jina/Mahsa Amini, Negin has been at the forefront of promoting the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement within the diaspora, focusing on empowering individuals historically marginalized due to religion, ethnicity, and gender.

With a media career spanning two decades, including her time as a news anchor for BBC Persian, Negin has leveraged her platform to highlight corruption and human rights abuses, notably through her podcast, Kutena. Her advocacy has reached a global stage, with speaking engagements at the UN Human Rights Council and the UK Parliament.