S9 Ep19: Will ISIS Make a Comeback in 2025? with Aaron Zelin

On today’s episode, Matt is joined by another leading counterterrorism researcher, Aaron Zelin. Aaron has spent years studying the global jihadi movement, focusing on the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. They explore the resurgence of the Islamic State following its territorial defeat in Iraq and Syria in 2017, and the evolving threat the group poses to the United States and other countries—from recent attacks in Iran, Russia, and New Orleans, and the organizational restructuring that’s made them rather resilient. Unpack these critical issues with one of the foremost experts in the field.Read Aaron’s work for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/experts/aaron-y-zelinRead Aaron’s Substack, Jihadology+: https://www.jihadologyplus.comRead Aaron’s past work for Jihadology: https://jihadology.net"A Globally Integrated Islamic State" by Aaron Zelin | War on the Rocks"Remaining, Waiting for Expansion (Again): The Islamic State’s Operations in Iraq and Syria" by Aaron Zelin | The Hudson InstituteFollow Aaron on Twitter/X: https://x.com/azelinFollow Aaron on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/azelin.bsky.socialSupport Secrets and SpiesBecome a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996 Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.comConnect with us on social mediaBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialInstagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspiesFacebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspiesSpoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpiesFollow Chris and Matt on Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/fultonmatt.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.socialSecrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD.Music by Andrew R. BirdSecrets and Spies sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Hosted by filmmaker Chris Carr and writer Matt Fulton, each episode unpacks global events through the lens of intelligence and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and analysts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.