1. Evolution and Change in Iranian Foreign Policy: From Ideology-Orientedness to Pragmatism
- Author:
- Cenap Çakmak
- Publication Date:
- 07-2013
- Content Type:
- Commentary and Analysis
- Institution:
- BILGESAM (Wise Men Center for Strategic Studies)
- Abstract:
- There is visible Iranian interest in the so-called Arab Spring process. This growing interest could be attributed the advantages associated with the emerging Shia Crescent in the Middle East which could be favorable to the Iranian interests. However, it is essential to review the overall aspects of Iranian foreign policy to further elaborate on this matter. In other words, the Iranian foreign policy should be prone to have regional ambitions in order to speak of interest in regional developments such as Arab Spring or Shia Crescent. In order to properly analyze whether or not Shia Crescent becomes a stronger reality in the Arab Spring process, it is also relevant to discuss the fundamental tenets and current tendencies of the Iranian foreign policy. For the sake of the discussion, a brief analysis of the Iranian foreign policy after the Islamic revolution in 1979 will be sufficient to determine as to whether Iran may actually be interested in expanding its sphere of influence in the region and taking advantage of the Arab Spring, though there are some similarities with the foreign policy approach before the regime change as well.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Arab Spring, Ideology, and Pragmatism
- Political Geography:
- Iran and Middle East