Phillip Smyth
Expert on Iran's Shia proxy networks and militias with nearly two decades of open-source and field research; contributor to The Washington Institute and the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point who has authored profiles of numerous Iran-linked militias.
Top 3 podcasts with Phillip Smyth
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15 snips
Mar 7, 2026 • 1h 25min
S10 Ep34: Iran After Khamenei with Phillip Smyth
Phillip Smyth, an expert on Iran’s Shia proxy networks, explains the chaos after Khamenei’s death. He discusses why succession is precarious. He unpacks militia networks, propaganda and criminal financing. He assesses CIA support for Kurds and why covert action has limits. He warns about emerging apocalyptic splinter groups.
May 23, 2024 • 1h 18min
S8 Ep45: What President Raisi’s death means for Iran
Phillip Smyth, a leading researcher of Iranian-backed militia groups, discusses the implications of President Raisi's death in a helicopter crash. Topics include succession planning in Iranian politics, ideological dynamics of the regime, and complexities of loyalty within Iraqi Shia militias.
Sep 28, 2024 • 1h 24min
S9 Ep3: Exploding Pagers and More Airstrikes: Unpacking Hezbollah’s Catastrophic Week with Phillip Smyth
Phillip Smyth, a guru on Iranian proxy groups, shares his insights into the chaotic week for Hezbollah, marked by the catastrophic failures of their communication devices causing major casualties. He discusses the ensuing Israeli airstrikes aimed at Hezbollah's military capabilities, revealing how these attacks disrupt their command structure. The conversation unfolds the implications of older technologies like pagers on Hezbollah's operations and addresses the broader geopolitical landscape influenced by Iran. Smyth provides a compelling look at military tactics and the evolving dynamics of regional conflicts.
