Abstract
Islamic Republic of Iran as one of affected state in the Middle East has affected over the regional events, due to some factors such as, the political system, its revolutionary- Islamic ideology, the geopolitical position natural energy resources (oil & gas). In addition to the historical and impact of the Iranian civilization over the region as well.
Therefore, this thesis illustrates
... [Show full abstract] theoretical foundations and framework of Iranian foreign policy based on ideational perspective, and then explains factors affected on decisions and political behaviors of the state. This thesis is applying constructivism theory - that is a new theory in the international and foreign policy relationships affairs - to explain basic notions of Iranian identity that determine interests and behaviors of the state.
In order to comprehend the thesis scientifically, it first, explains the internal and external factors, agent and structures and their mutual effects. Second, it explains the ideal and material factors as well.
At the beginning I explained the theories , the definitions and the challenges through illustration of the foreign policy in general. I have explained the strategies and aims of the foreign policy as well. I explained theories such as realism, neo-realism, liberalism, neo-liberalism, behaviorism, post-behaviorism, decision making and constructivism and then I have presented role and consequences of both agent and structure in the foreign policy.
It explains role of component in foreign policy, the component is outcome of revolutionary ideology of Iran. Sources of identity of the republic, such as structure, agent behavior, interests and strategy of Iran are presented. It mainly focuses on ideational and material factors, composes belief and identity Iran, such as history. In addition, religious sectarian other related factors determine views of decision-makers, behavior and interest of the state. some elements of Third World such as revolutionary discourses and conspiracy theory influence on the Iranian foreign policy. Moreover Iran’s view to nation-state is important too. The study particularly covers some cases and examples in foreign policy of Iran. The thesis try to enlighten the reasons and roots of antagonism between Iran and United States, Israel, the escalating of the tension European Union regional states as, Also we discuss the nuclear program of Iran and the embargo on the state. Generally, the study covers most of elements and factors that affect the foreign policy of Iran such as revolutionary ideology and it is consequences, Supreme leaders “Waleh Faqeh”. This thesis discusses the Iranian view to international security and international institutions, as well as their role and their function to protect Iranian security and interests. Political System depend also “Uma Al Qura” doctrine. It studies the impacts of Iranian population, social culture on the foreign policy, the impact of view of realistic and idealistic elites on driving foreign policy. Energy and economic factors. All of these elements explain behavior and interests of the state.
Finally, the thesis concluded that the state identity and its components, the view of political elites especially of supreme leader, which legitimate and leading foreign policy of the state. In one hand, international pressure and internal issues and values in other side, mutuality affects each other. That in turns defines interests, coalition, tension, with other states. For example, the tension relationships with Israel and USA. Another example is Iranian support to fundamentalist or extremists such as” Hezbu Allah”. Maintain of the Islamic regime is the ultimate aim of “Welayat Faqih” and Supreme Leader.
Generally, foreign policy of Iran is outcomes of internal policy, which reflects perspective and basic notions of Supreme leader and elites. It also reflects the official component and interests of the system. Therefore, protecting, strengthening the system and conserving the identity of the system, implementing and realization of the political system are ultimate aims.
