Iran’s Geopolitical Influence in the Persian Gulf: The Consequences of its Post-Islamic Revolution Strategic Policy
Keywords:
Geopolitics, Strategic Policy, Defense Strategy, Hard-Power, Soft-Power, ImplicationsAbstract
Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, the Islamic Republic of Iran has deftly pursued a nuanced and balanced strategic policy aimed at ensuring its long-term survival. This post-revolutionary Iran has adopted a pragmatic foreign policy approach, skillfully harmonizing its ideological underpinnings with the imperatives of safeguarding national interests and projecting its intrinsic sources of power. Iran’s geopolitical situation is often characterized as intricate and delicate, given its pivotal location and rich natural resources in the Persian Gulf region.
To bolster its international standing and recapture a sense of historical eminence, Iran has orchestrated a deliberate management of its influence and evolution in the region, employing a multifaceted combination of both soft power and hard power instruments. Consequently, the smaller states in the Persian Gulf harbor concerns over Iran's expanding capabilities in both soft and hard power. Concurrently, the burgeoning alliance between the United States and the Arab States of the Persian Gulf is a source of apprehension for the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In its quest to maintain strategic equilibrium and exert regional hegemony independently, Tehran has artfully devised a comprehensive strategy. This strategy involves the strategic use of public diplomacy to enhance its soft power, which is aimed at projecting its image onto the regional canvas, and the astute utilization of various tools to bolster its hard power, thereby upholding equilibrium within the region.
This paper undertakes a meticulous examination of the interplay between Iran's soft power and hard power in the context of its strategic policy vis-à-vis the Persian Gulf region, all while considering the array of geopolitical concerns and constraints that shape its actions. Additionally, it traces the Islamic Republic of Iran's regional policy, which is marked by strategic pragmatism, and evaluates its ramifications on the geopolitical dynamics of the Persian Gulf. The research methodology employed herein is primarily descriptive-analytical, with a substantial reliance on secondary sources for data acquisition.
References
Adib-Moghaddam, A. (2006). The intenational politics of the Persian Gulf A cultural Genealogy. London, New York: Routledge.
Ahmadani, A. (2022, February 24). ECC approves regulations for barter trade with Afghanistan, Iran. Retrieved from Profit: https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2022/02/24/ecc-approves-regulations-for-barter-trade-with-afghanistan-iran/
Albadawi, J. A. (2016). Pillars of Strength in the Nuclear Negotiations between Iran and the Great Powers (5+1). European Scientific Journal, 2016, Vol. 12 No. 19, PP. 270-286, 170-186.
Alfoneh, A. (2008). What Do Structural Changes in the Revolutionary Guard Means? Washington DC: American Interprise Institute.
Arezo, A., Hassani, M., & Haideri, F. (2022). Why Afghan Women Idealize Iranian Society. Qom and Islamabad: Pak-Iran Intellectuals Forum.
Ashton, N., & Gibson, B. (2013). The Iran-Iraq War: New International Perspective. London : Routledge.
Asim, D. M. (2022). Inter-religious Harmony in Iran. Islamabad: Pak-Iran Intellectuals Forum.
Asim, D. M. (2023). Iranian Eye on US Interests in the middle East. Islamabad: Pak-Iran Intellectuals Forum (Islamabd Office).
Bakhtiar, Z. (2023). Iran and Isreal: Two Rivals . Tehran: Nashiran-e-Zahra Tehran.
Barkey, H. J., Lesensky, S., & Marr, P. (2011). Iraq, Its Neighbors and the United States: Competition, Crisis and the Reordering of Power. Washington: US Institute of Peac Press.
Barzegar, K. (2010). Iran's Foreign Policy Strategy after Saddam. The Washington Quaterly, No.33(1), 173-189.
Bojarczyk, B. (2012). Geopolitics of the Persian Gulf Region. Teka Kom. Politol Stos, Miedzynar,OLPAN 7, 80-100.
Bozorgmehr, S., & Martinez, M. (2013, June 15). Hassan Rohani is Iran's next President After Appaling to Tradition Reforms. Retrieved April 19, 2016, from CNN: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/15/world/meast/iran-elections/
Connell, M. (2010). Iran's Military Doctorine in Robin Wright (ed) The Iran Primer. Washington DC: United States Institute of Peace.
Copley, G. R. (1989). Dfense and Foreign Affairs Strategic Policy. Calgary: University of Calgary Press.
Cordesman, A. H. (2013). US and Iranian Strategic Compitition. Burke: CSIS.
Dukata, D. J. (2007). Flames of War. New York: Nova Science Publishing.
Eisenstadt, M. (2015). The Strategic Culture of the Islamic Republic Iran. Middle East Studies Marine Corps University MES Monographs No. 1, 1-24.
Farooqi, D. M. (2020, October 29). What Prophet Muhammad said about the importance of education. Retrieved from Muslim Mirror: https://muslimmirror.com/eng/what-prophet-muhammad-said-about-the-importance-of-education/
Fisher, M. (January 4, 2016). The Cold War Between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Retrieved April 21, 2016, from Vox World: http://www.vox.com/2016/1/4/10708682/sunni-shia-iran-saudi-arabia-war
Gallarotti, G. (2011). Soft Power What it is, it's imortance and conditions for effective use. Political Power, Vol. 4, No.1, 25-47.
Ganesh, D. L. (2013). Women’s Economic Empowerment in Afghanistan 2002-2012. Kabul: ghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit. Retrieved from https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/service/gdc/gdcovop/2014311083/2014311083.pdf
Gardner, F. (November 07, 2019). Iran's network of influence in Mid-East 'growing'. Retrieved 09 27, 2021, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50324912
George, S. (2022, December 21). Taliban ban on higher ed for women stokes fears of end to all female schooling. Retrieved from The Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/12/21/taliban-ban-afghan-girls-women-education/
Habeeb, W. M. (2012). The Middle East in Turmoil: Conflict, Resolusion and Change. California: Greenwood ABC-CLIO, LLC.
Haghshenass, F. (1996). Iran's Docrine Asystemateric Navel Warfare. The Washington Institute for NearEast Policy, 48-62.
Ho, W.-C. (2018). Culture, Music, Education and the Chinese Dream in Mainland China. Singapore: Springer.
Jalalzai, M. K. (2007). Khalij aur Banulaqvami Syasat. california: The University of california.
Joshi, S. (2015). The Permanet Crisis: Iranian Nuclear Trajectary. New York: Routledge.
Kamrava, M. (2011). International Politics of the Persian Gulf. Syracuse: Syracuse Univesity Press.
Kaura, V. (2022, December 02). Pakistan-Afghan Taliban relations face mounting challenges. Retrieved from Middle East Institute: https://www.mei.edu/publications/pakistan-afghan-taliban-relations-face-mounting-challenges
Kennedy, J. F. (2008). The Kennedy School Catlalog Volume 3. California: The Program 1992.
Khalaji, M. (2010). The iranian Clergy's Silence. Current Trends in Islamist Ideology Vol. 10, 6-11.
Khan, D. K. (2023). Pak-Iran Relations and Its Impacts on Arab World. Islamabad: Pak-Iran Intellectuals Forum (Islamabad Office).
Long, D. E. (1978). The Persian Gulf, An Introduction to its People, Politics and Economics. London: Westview Press.
Looney, R. (2014). Handbook od US-Middle East Relation. London: Routledge.
Miles, A. (2013). US foreign Policy and the Rogue State doctrine. London: Routledge.
Molavi, A. (2015). Iran and the Gulf States. Washington: US Institute of Peace.
NDTV. (2022, December 23). Taliban Explains Why Afghan Women Have Been Banned From Universities. Retrieved from NDTV: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/women-banned-from-university-for-not-following-dress-code-taliban-3630885
Nemati, D. n.-u.-D. (2022). Cultural Relations between Iran and Afghanistan in the Second Pahlavi Period. Journal of Historical Researches in Iran and Islam, 125-150. Retrieved from Journal of Historical Researches in Iran and Islam: https://jhr.usb.ac.ir/article_1600.html?lang=en
Nye, J. S. (2004). Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics. New York: Public Affairs.
Parker, C., & Noack, R. (January 03, 2020). Iran has invested in allies and proxies across the Middle East. Here’s where they stand after Soleimani’s death. Washington: Washington Post.
Pillalamarri, A. (2017, November 14). Afghanistan’s Persian Linguistic Identity. Retrieved from The Diplomat: https://thediplomat.com/2017/11/afghanistans-persian-linguistic-identity/
Pollack, K. M. (2004). The Persian Puzzle: The Conflict between Iran and America. New York: Random House.
Potter, L. G., & Sick, G. G. (2002). Security in Persian Gulf, Obstacle and the Search for Consensus. London: Palgrave.
R, D. S. (2014). Maritimes Security of India: the Coastal Security Challenges and Policy Option. New Delhi: Vij Book India.
Reuters. (February 5, 2019). Exclusive: Abu-Dhabie xpected to extend Bail-out Loan to Dubai, Sources Says. https://www.reuter.com/article/us-dubai-debt-exlusive/exclusive-abu-dhabi-expected-to-extend-bailout-loan-to-dubai-sources-says-idUSKCN1PU1HU.
Robinson, K. (May 27, 2021). What is US Policy on the Israel-Plestine Conflict? . Council on Foreign Relations.
Schefran, J., Brzoska, M., Bruach, H. G., Link, P. M., & Schilling, j. (2012). Climate Change, Human Security and Violent Conflict: Challenges for Societal Stability. London: Springer.
Siavoshi, S. (2022, August 24). Afghans in Iran: the state and the working of immigration policies. Retrieved from British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13530194.2022.2113504
Simon, M. (1976). Oi,l Money, Weapon: Middle east at the Brink. New York: Centre For International Society 1976.
Slackman, M. (June 8, 2006). Iraqi Ties to Iran Create New Risks for Washington . New York Times.
Tanno, S. (2022, December 23). The Taliban pledged to honor women’s rights in Afghanistan. Here’s how it eroded them instead. Retrieved from CNN: https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/in-focus/2022/08/in-focus-women-in-afghanistan-one-year-after-the-taliban-takeover
Toossi, S. (Feb. 11, 2014). Deciphering Iran's Strategic Vision. Tehran: Lobelog Foreign Policy.
Wearden, G. (December 14, 2009). Dubai Recieves a $10bn bailout from Abu Dhabi. Retrieved April 21, 2016, from theguardian: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/dec/14/dubai-10bn-dollar-payout
Wilson, E. J. (2008). Hard Power, Smart Power, Smart Power . ANNALS of the American Acadimey of Political and Social Science issue no 616, 110-124.
Wright, R. B. (2010). The Iran Primer: Power, Politics and U.S. Policy. Washington DC: US Institute of Peace Press.
Zaheer, M. A., & Roofi, Y. (2016). Iran's Foreign Policy in Persian Gulf: A Shift from Idealism toPragmatism in Post Islamic Revolution Era. Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences (PJSS) Vol. 36,No.1, 435-444.
Zhou, D. J. (2022, December 15). Afghanistan and its neighbourhood: A stocktaking of regional cooperation since the Taliban takeover. Retrieved from Stockholm International Peace Research Institute: https://sipri.org/commentary/topical-backgrounder/2022/afghanistan-and-its-neighbourhood-stocktaking-regional-cooperation-taliban-takeover
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
Categories
License
Copyright (c) 2023 Insights of Pakistan, Iran and the Caucasus Studies
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
