درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

This research presents a comparative analysis regarding the influence of religion as a key component of national identity on behavioral patterns in Iran's foreign policy across two distinct periods: that of Pahlavi II and the Islamic Republic. The significance of examining religion arises from its impact on national interest formulation within constructivist frameworks, where identity constructs play a pivotal role. The primary objective of this study is to elucidate how recognizing religion's position as an identity factor can enhance our understanding of behavioral patterns in Iran's foreign policy. Addressing the inquiry into religion's influence on these patterns during both eras, this paper posits that while religion was one of many influential factors in Pahlavi II's foreign policy landscape, it did not substantially integrate into national identity or affect foreign policy decisions at that time. Conversely, within the Islamic Republic framework, religion emerges as a fundamental ideology and an independent variable that shapes foreign policy behavior. The research findings ultimately reveal that during Pahlavi II’s era, national interests were defined through the lens of modern state identity, whereas Shia ideology became central to shaping foreign policy identity in the Islamic Republic. Consequently, religion has demonstrated a significant direct impact on behavioral patterns within this political context.

This dissertation investigates the impact of the US-China trade war on regional and international cooperation patterns, with a specific focus on Iran-China relations. The ongoing rivalry between the United States and China, the world's two largest economies, extends beyond trade and into geopolitical and diplomatic realms, reshaping alliances and economic strategies across the globe. Among the countries influenced by this global shift, Iran presents a compelling case study due to its ongoing economic isolation from the West, largely driven by US sanctions. This research seeks to explore how the US-China trade war has created opportunities for Iran and China to deepen their bilateral ties and develop alternative cooperation models at both regional and international levels. The importance of this study lies in its ability to shed light on how economic conflicts between superpowers can inadvertently generate strategic opportunities for other states. By analysing the political and economic dynamics between Iran and China in the aftermath of the trade war, this research contributes to a broader understanding of shifting global power structures. The study is guided by the central research question: How has the US-China trade war created opportunities for Iran and China to strengthen regional and international relations and establish new cooperation models? Employing the Hegemonic Stability Theory, it argues that the potential decline in US dominance will catalyse the emergence of new geopolitical alignments, especially in regions where American influence has weakened. The findings reveal that the trade war has indeed acted as a catalyst for strengthened Iran-China relations. Both nations have strategically capitalised on reduced Western engagement to pursue mutual interests, enhance economic cooperation, and position themselves as key actors in a multipolar world. The study concludes that this evolving partnership exemplifies how geopolitical tensions can lead to new patterns of global cooperation, challenging established power hierarchies.  

The Middle East has been a region marked by profound transformations, consistently hindering the prospects for a sustainable peace that can symbolize the inclusive participation of various groups in power. Both the United States and Iran have shown a keen interest in this region, especially Iraq. Consequently, both countries have endeavored to establish influence in Iraq. Twenty years after the fall of Saddam Hussein, a suitable opportunity presents itself to evaluate state-building strategies in Iraq. Post-Saddam Iraq has been a stage for various actors involved in the state-building project. This article aims to conduct a comparative scientific evaluation of the strategies employed by Iran and the United States. The central question addressed in this study is how Iran and the United States have approached state-building in post-Saddam Iraq and what outcomes have ensued from their respective actions. Employing a descriptive-analytical methodology, the findings of this study reveal that the United States, disregarding the complexities of Iraqi society and leveraging military force, has pursued a top-down or waterfall approach to state-building, resulting in unforeseen consequences. In contrast, the Islamic Republic of Iran, with a thorough understanding of Iraqi society and strong ties to Shia groups, has successfully implemented a more effective bottom-up or base-diffusion model of state-building. Ultimately, the outcomes of Iran's and the United States' state-building efforts in Iraq are comparatively assessed.

The Middle East and North Africa region, known for its distinctive geographical characteristics and limited natural resources, has long faced various environmental challenges. Since 2007, these challenges have intensified and evolved, affecting not only environmental sustainability but also the political, economic, and social dynamics among the countries in the region. It is crucial to analyze how regional nations respond to environmental crises and to explore the consequences for international relations and regional security. This understanding is crucial for comprehending the emerging dynamics in the region and recognizing the necessity of cooperative policy responses to environmental challenges. Accordingly, the central research question is: How have environmental crises affected interstate relations among countries in the Middle East and North Africa between 2007 and 2024? In addressing this question, the hypothesis suggests that environmental crises, by exacerbating conflicts over the exploitation of shared natural resources, threatening stability and security, and creating opportunities for both positive and negative external interventions, have significantly impacted the diplomatic relations of the region's countries. This article employs a quantitative method and an explanatory approach for hypothesis validation.