Defence

The goal of countries in concluding treaties in international relations is to increase and ensure national security. Each country is trying to maximize its safety in the global environment. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, abbreviated as "JCPOA," resulted from 12 years of negotiations between Iran and the West, which formalized, after being signed by the P5 + 1 countries and ratified by UN Security Council Resolution 2231. Political and legal experts have considered the effects of JCPOA and related resolutions, including Resolution 2231, on national interests from various dimensions. The present study aimed to analyze the West's attempt to reduce Iran's conventional deterrence power from JCPOA entrance. The main question is ‘In addition to restricting Iran's nuclear industry, what other goals did the United States pursue in JCPOA?’ The article hypothesizes that one of the goals of the US-led West has been to weaken Iran's conventional deterrence capability through JCPOA. This hypothesis is tested based on a deterrence strategy. Therefore, while proposing a deterrence strategy, the present study analyses JCPOA and its consequences (Resolution 2231) and its impact on the conventional deterrence capacity of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The result of this article is the confirmation of the hypothesis above

Since the beginning, Indonesia’s foreign policy has adhered to the “free-active” principle. Nevertheless, the facts demonstrate that during President Sukarno’s administration, Indonesia’s foreign policy was considered to be leaning left and close to communist countries. During the Suharto era, Indonesia, on the other hand, grew closer to the West, specifically the United States and its allies. The succession of post-Suharto leadership, from Habibie, Abdurrahman Wahid, and Megawati to Yudhoyono, major countries particularly the United States, continues to influence the pattern of Indonesia’s foreign policy. This pattern of foreign policy appears to have also had an effect on Indonesia’s defence posture and orientation. The question that should be addressed is: to what extent do great powers influence Indonesia’s defence policy during Jokowi administration? In the midst of various issues ranging from the maritime fulcrum, the sink the vessels’ policy, the issue of purchasing Russian-made fighter aircraft, the Sukhoi Su-35, and China’s Belt and Road initiative projects, have triggered reactions from neighbouring countries and major powers. Using a historical explanatory approach, this article argues that Indonesia’s defence strategy has been influenced by great powers since its foundation. Furthermore, despite Jokowi’s efforts to show that Indonesia is an independent and neutral country it remains under the influence of great powers.