Crisis Studies of the Islamic World

Crisis Studies of the Islamic World

Iran’s Position in the New Eastern Order: Opportunities and Challenges

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Assistant Professor of Political Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
2 Associate Professor of International Relations, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
3 MA, Regional Studies, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran,
Abstract
The aim of this study is to examine Iran’s position within the emerging Eastern order. The central research question is: “Given the dominance of an Eastern-oriented approach in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, what will Iran’s position be in the emerging Eastern order, and to what extent will it serve Iran’s national interests?” The study hypothesizes that: “Although the emergence of an Eastern order provides an opportunity to mitigate sanctions and counter Western hostile policies, excessive reliance on the East may limit Iran’s strategic autonomy in foreign policy. In other words, the shift of power from West to East does not necessarily imply a fundamental change in the nature of power, as emerging actors are also likely to prioritize maximizing and protecting their own interests.” This research employs a descriptive–analytical approach within the framework of power transition theory. The findings suggest that despite the relative decline in U.S. global hegemony, the United States is expected to remain a significant power in the international system for several decades. Therefore, considering the ideological and strategic incompatibilities between the United States and Iran, Iran needs to adopt a moderated Eastern orientation while leveraging the competitive dynamics between East and West to advance its national interests.
Keywords

Volume 12, Issue 3 - Serial Number 38
Autumn Quarterly
Autumn 2025

  • Receive Date 17 December 2024
  • Revise Date 06 April 2025
  • Accept Date 30 August 2025