1. In my @FikraForum article I talk about an emerging hegemonic exemplar that Kata’ib Hezbollah is forming which enables the militia to dominate the 'axis of resistance' in Iraq. https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/fikraforum/view/rise-kataib-hezbollah-hegemonic-resistance

2. Through its radical rhetoric and actions KH is creating a collective ideal for ‘resistance’ groups, positioning itself as the exemplar of the ‘true resistance’. KH continuously demands that other groups to live up to this ideal…

3. ...while those who do not fulfil this ideal are attacked and their loyalty to the ‘resistance’ is questioned. KH derives the legitimacy for this stance from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, and his very radical rhetoric.

4. Khamenei’s rhetoric makes it harder for other ‘resistance’ groups or individuals to openly violate KH’s similarly radical norms. And since all Iran-backed militias benefit from this pattern of practice, they might not see a reason to violate them in any case.

5. As a result, some facilitate or take part in KH’s actions, while others are complicit in implementing the strategy. It is through these methods that a hegemonic system is emerging through which KH dominates other ‘resistance’ groups.