Iran's current influence in the Levant: a comparative analysis through the DIME model

Iran, one of the main actors in the Middle East region, has played a crucial role in shaping the region. As a prominent world propagator of Shi'a Islam, it strategically uses (not only) Shi'a populations in neighbouring countries to strengthen its own position in order to achieve its national interests. This strategy was reinforced after the events of the Arab Spring when Iran became directly involved in the war in Syria alongside Bashar al-Assad. In 2013, Iran's other ally, Hezbollah, officially joined the conflict. Thus, this bachelor's thesis is on Iran's issue and the instruments of power it uses to consolidate its influence in the Levant. The specific aim is then to shed light on Iran's practices. Within the Levant, this thesis will delineate the areas of Syria and Lebanon where Iranian influence through Hezbollah will be examined. In order to achieve the objectives, the theoretical model of DIME will be used, with the help of which the projection of power of each state can be analysed to a high degree. DIME divides power instruments into four basic categories - diplomatic instruments, information instruments, military instruments and economic instruments. The analysis uncovered a complex web of tools that Iran is using to consolidate power in Syria and Lebanon. Iran provides both actors with significant amounts of military material in the form of missiles, weapons or other military supplies. Iran also helps train troops, build military bases, and, in the case of Syria, recruit troops from neighbouring countries. The economic factors on which Hezbollah's survival in its current form depends will also be revealed. Analysis of meetings between top-level officials or analysis of the state-controlled media to clarify the Iranian regime's narrative towards Syria and Hezbollah is not omitted.