Afshon Ostovar

About the Author

Afshon Ostovar is a distinguished scholar and author specializing in the intricate intersections of religion, politics, and security in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Iran. Holding advanced degrees in international relations and Middle Eastern studies, he has dedicated his career to unraveling the dynamics of non-state actors and revolutionary movements through rigorous research and fieldwork. His seminal work, Vanguard of the Imam: Religion, Politics, and Iran's Revolutionary Guards, offers an incisive analysis of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' evolution from a post-revolutionary militia to a pivotal force in Iran's domestic and global strategies. Ostovar's writing bridges academic depth with accessible prose, making complex geopolitical narratives engaging for both specialists and general readers. Currently, he teaches at the Naval Postgraduate School and continues to contribute to policy discussions on extremism and state-sponsored militancy.