Iran's shadow weapons : covert action, intelligence operations and unconventional warfare / Jonathan W. Hackett.

Author/creator Hackett, Jonathan W., 1985- author.
Format Book
PublicationJefferson, North Carolina : McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, [2025]
Descriptionix, 343 pages : illustrations, charts ; 23 cm
Subjects

Partial contents Preface -- Outlining the shadow: an introduction -- Part I. Foreign intelligence activities -- Drawing red lines -- On the payroll -- We want to sacrifice you to frighten the others -- Part II. Cover action -- Tell the gentlemen to use the media tools -- Charming kittens and cutting swords -- Fueling the machines -- Part III. Unconventional warfare -- Dare not attack us -- Training the trainers -- A pervasive presence -- Conclusion -- Appendices.
Abstract Surveillance, assassination and war by proxy -- all ingredients for an unending disaster that never seems to end for those exposed to the wrath of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Despite the prevalence of these and other malign acts, few observers understand why and how the regime chooses these tools of fear and disruption. Even fewer can foil them. In this first work of its kind, the author draws upon two decades of experience to lay bare the calculus, structure and execution of Iran's foreign intelligence activities, covert actions and unconventional warfare operations. This book reveals how the regime's shadowy work is driven by a warring mixture of rampant paranoia, unshakable greed and cold rationality. He meticulously reveals a policy toolkit wielded for self-interest and survival, supported by strategies to eliminate opposition figures, stifle dissent and promote defense in depth around Iran. Before any others, the Iranian people are simultaneously the regime's greatest source of insecurity and its chief target of policies pursued since 1979. -- from book cover.
General noteCleared for publication by the Defense Office of Pre-Publication and Security Review.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references (pages 283-327) and index.
ISBN9781476696935
ISBN1476696934 paperback