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An Iran-made unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the Shahed-136, is displayed in a rally commemorating the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution’s victory in Azadi (Freedom) Square in western Tehran, Iran, on February 11, 2026. (Photo by Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto)NO USE FRANCE
From Strategic Patience to Persistent Counter-Escalation: Iran’s Emerging Theory of Deterrence
Failing to deter a full-scale war with Israel and the United States, Iran has moved away from the strategic patience and military restraint that shaped much of its prewar approach, shifting toward a counter-escalation strategy that aims to transform the Middle East’s security and economic order in its favor.
What is
the Quincy Institute?
The Quincy Institute promotes ideas that move U.S. foreign policy away from endless war, toward military restraint and diplomacy in the pursuit of international peace. We are building a world where peace is the norm and war is the exception.
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Quincy Spotlight
Research at the Quincy Institute
As a research institution, we expose the dangerous consequences of an overly militarized American foreign policy and present an alternative approach, centered on diplomacy and military restraint.
Our Research
Our cutting-edge research spans across six geographic and thematic teams and forms the basis for our advocacy and outreach.
Events & Webinars
The Quincy Institute hosts frequent debates, panel discussions, book talks, and other events virtually and in person that challenge the status quo, amplify underrepresented perspectives, and propose bold solutions. These are the conversations you will find beyond cable news or on the front pages of the newspaper.
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Book Talk | 1873—The Rothschilds, the First Great Depression, and the Making of the Modern World
What can the turmoil of the first age of globalization tell us about the present?
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President Xi Goes to Washington: Building Stability or Merely Postponing Conflict?
A preview of the Trump-Xi summit.
Experts in the Media
Quincy Institute experts are frequently called upon to offer their analysis on breaking foreign policy news. Our trusted perspective on restraint in foreign policy is a critical contribution to the national conversation.
Other Key Topics
These are collections on timely topics of particular current interest.