Crisis Studies of the Islamic World

Crisis Studies of the Islamic World

The Strategy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Middle Eastern Security Complex with an Emphasis on Smart Power (a Case Study of the Iraq and Syria Crisis)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Member of the Islamic Revolution, Daneshgah payam Nour
2 Faculty member of Payam Noor University
Abstract
With the onset of the Islamic awakening and the movements known as the Arab Spring, followed by escalating tensions in the West Asian region, the power dynamics among the countries in this area have shifted significantly. In this context, the crisis and civil war in Iraq and Syria stand out as unique challenges, distinct from other security issues affecting the Middle East. These crises have seen both regional and extra-regional powers pursuing their national interests vigorously. Iran, in particular, has adopted a foreign policy strategy aimed at maximizing its national interests while leveraging its existing capabilities. This research examines Iran's strategic approach to the crises in the Middle East, focusing specifically on Iraq and Syria. The central question of this study is: What strategic measures has Iran implemented in response to the crises in  Iraq and Syria? The final findings of this research state that the security-political problems created in the Middle East have made the role of the Islamic Republic of Iran prominent among the countries in the region, and an example of this is the presence of Iran in the regional summit in order to resolve the crisis despite the opposition. United States, convergence with the member countries of the axis of resistance in terms of hardware and software, creation of popular mobilization in order to influence and attract the people of these countries in order to ensure security and the aforementioned interests, taking the military initiative in front of its regional rivals. In the Middle East, there are examples of Iran's smart strategy.
Keywords

Akhmedov, V. (2023). Arab-Iranian Relations in Context of the Syrian Crisis. November 2023. Vestnik of Saint Petersburg University Asian and African Studies,15(4),779-789.
Aziri, V., Haj Zargarbashi, S.R. (2023). Smart Power and the Promotion of Iran's Regional Position in West Asia. Political Commentary Science, No(15) 58-92. [In Persian]
Barzegar, K. (2006). Iran's Foreign Policy in New Iraq, Tehran, Publications of Strategic Research Center, Expediency Council, Strategic Research Center, second edition. [In Persian]
Borshchevskaya, A. (2022). Russia’s Strategic Success in Syria and the Future of Moscow’s Middle East Policy. Availablein: https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/russias-strategic-success-syria-and-future-moscows-middle-east-policy.
Bozan, B. (1378). People, governments and fear, Translation of Strategic Studies Research Institute. Tehran: Strategic Studies Research Institute. [In Persian]
Buzan, b., Waever, O. (2009). Region and powers, translate by Rahman ghahramanpoor. Tehran, Institute for Strategic Studies. [In Persian].
DanielR, D (2015). Israel's Master Planto Crush Iran's Nuclear Program. Availablein: http://nationalinterest.org/feature/israels-master-plan-crush-irans-nuclear-program-13392?page=2.
Dacey, J.B. (2024). Beyond proxies: Iran’s deeper strategy in Syria and Lebanon. Availablein:https://ecfr.eu/publication/beyond-proxies-irans-deeper-strategy-in-syriaandlebanon.
Erdbrink, T., Et Al. (2015). After a U.S. Shift, Iran Has a Seat at Talks on War inSyria. Availablein:https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/29/world/middleeast/syria-talks-vienna-iran.html.
Fatahi Ardakani, H., Mahmoud Oghli, R. (2022). Smart power in the foreign policy strategy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Afaq Security Quarterly,14 (53), 91-119. [In Persian]
Ghasemi, F. (2007). Theoretical perspective on the design of Iran's foreign policy deterrence model. Geopolitics, 3(1),97-127. [In Persian]
Ghorbani Sheikh Neshin, A., Karami, K., Abbaszade, H. (2011). Smart power; the new evolution of power in the age of globalization. Foreign Relations Quarterly, 3(4), 125-150. [In Persian]
Katsikidis, A. (2023). Smart power and conflict deterrence Availablein: https://www.ekathimerini.com/opinion/interviews/1209057/smart-power-and-conflict-deterrence.
Khalaj, M. (2015). Security tightened in Tehran amid fear of Isis attack. Availablein:https://www.ft.com/content/8f69000a-9779-11e5-95c7d47aa298f769.
Kirkpatrick, D. (2020). Conflict With Iran Threatens Fight Against ISIS. Availablein: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/04/world/middleeast/conflict-with-iran-threatens-fight-against-isis.html.
Latifian, S. (2013). Threats of the National Security Policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. International Journal of Foreign Relations, 1(3), 370-399. [In Persian]
Mirzadeh Koh Shahi, M. (2013). Strategy of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the Syrian Crisis; Scenarios and Consequences. Defense of the Holy Research Journal, (11),-.-. [In Persian]
Mohammadian, A., Abedi, H. (2016). An analysis on the promotion of Iran's position in the Middle East with an emphasis on smart power. Political Science Quarterly, 13 (40), 23-48. [In Persian]
Nizamipour., et al. (2016). Evaluation of Iran's new advisory strategy in dealing with takfiri groups in Syria. Protection and Security Research Quarterly, 5(18),1-22. [In Persian]
Noormohammadi, M., Fasihi Dolatshahi, M.A. (2017). Application of the theory of regional security complex in the analysis of problems and patterns of relations in South Asia. Scientific Quarterly of Political and International Approaches, 10(56),153-189. [In Persian]
 Nossel, S. (2004). Smart Power. Foreign Affairs, March/April.
Nye, J.S. (2011). The Future of Power. New York: Public Affair.
Nye, J.S. (2006). Public Diplomacy and Soft Power. The Annals of American Academy of Political and Social Science, No 616.
Ramani, S. (2019). Russia’s efforts to expand the Astana process in Syria. Availablein: https://www.mei.edu/publications/russias-efforts-expand-astana-process-syria.
Nye, J. S. (2023). State Smart Power Strategies. Availablein:https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-99-0714-4_3.
Sadeghi, S.S., Lotfi, K. (2014). Analysis of the positions of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding the Syrian crisis. Contemporary Political Essays Quarterly, 6(1), 123-144. [In Persian]
Salehnejad, H. (2018). The concept of intelligent power and its role in new politics. Islamic Council Research Center, serial number 16684, subject code 330. [In Persian]
Slavin, B. (2023). Iran is still the main foreign power in Iraq. Availablein: https://www.ispionline.it/en/publication/iran-is-still-the-main-foreign-power-in-iraq-121476.
Smagin, N. (2023). Moscow’s Original “Special Operation”: Why Russia Is Staying in Syria. Availablein: https://carnegieendowment.org/russia-eurasia/politika/2023/01/moscows-original-special-operation-why-russia-is-staying-in-syria?lang=en.
 Stuster, j.d. (2020). Russia, Iran, Iraq, and Syria to Share Intelligence on Islamic State. Availablein: https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/09/28/russia-iran-iraq-and-syria-to-share-intelligence-on-islamic-state.
Tahhan, Z.,  Collins, D. (2017). Syria talks set to begin in Astana as ceasefire holds. Availablein:https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2017/01/syriatalkssetastanaceasefireholds170122053710819.html.
 Talbott, S., Tennis, M. (2020). The only winner of the US-Iran showdown is Russia. Availablein: https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2020/01/09/the-only-winner-of-the-us-iran-showdown-is-russia.
Wilson, E.J. (2008). Hard power, Soft Power, Smart Power, Annals, AApss, No 616.
Yazdan Panah, K., Namdari, M.M. (2012). Crisis in Syria; with an emphasis on the approach of the Western system and Turkey's strategy in this country. Journal of Islamic Awakening Studies, 3. [In Persian]
 
Volume 11, Issue 3 - Serial Number 34
Autumn Quarterly
Autumn 2024
Pages 1-21

  • Receive Date 14 May 2024
  • Revise Date 02 August 2024
  • Accept Date 17 October 2024