تحلیلی بر رویکرد سیاست خارجی جمهوری اسلامی ایران در منطقۀ آسیای جنوبی

نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی

نویسندگان

1 دانشجوی دکتری جغرافیای سیاسی، گروه جغرافیا، واحد نجف‌آباد، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی ، نجف آباد، ایران

2 استادیار جغرافیای سیاسی، گروه جغرافیا، واحد نجف‌آباد، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی ، نجف آباد، ایران

3 استاد گروه علوم سیاسی، دانشکده ادبیات و علوم انسانی، دانشگاه گیلان، رشت، ایران

10.22034/FASIW.2022.341682.1153

چکیده

رویکرد سیاست خارجی، نقش مهمی در توسعۀ روابط منطقه‌ای و جهانی برای کشورها دارد. به‌ویژه در عصر جهانی‌شدن که پیوندها و مناسبات میان کشورها در عرصۀ بین‌الملل، کاملاً درهم تنیده شده‌اند. ماهیت ویژۀ دورۀ جهانی‌شدن این است که کمترین ظرفیت موجود برای برقراری ارتباط با کشورهای دیگر، اثری مثبت بر تصویر بین‌المللی آن کشور دارد. در روابط منطقه‌ای، رفتار سیاست خارجی ایران، نسبت به مناطق ژئوپلیتیکی پیرامونش، رویکردهای متفاوتی داشته است. منطقۀ آسیای جنوبی به‌عنوان منطقۀ ژئوپلیتیکی مستقل، بر اساس نظریۀ سول کوهن و تبدیل‌شدن آن به قلمروی ژئواستراتژیک سوم، می‌تواند از مناطقی باشد که در تغییر رویکرد سیاست خارجی کشور نسبت به این منطقه ظرفیت لازم را ارائه دهد. هدف اصلی در این مقاله، تحلیل رویکرد سیاست خارجی ایران در روابط منطقه‌ای با منطقۀ آسیای جنوبی است. این پرسش مطرح است که جایگاه منطقۀ آسیای جنوبی در روابط و رویکرد سیاست خارجی ایران چگونه است؟ برای پاسخ به این پرسش از روش و رویکرد پژوهشی توصیفی‌تحلیلی و ابزار گردآوری داده‌های کتابخانه‌ای و سایت‌های اینترنتی استفاده می‌کنیم. نتایج یافته‌های پژوهش نشان می‌دهند منطقۀ ژئوپلیتیکی آسیای جنوبی، در سیاست خارجی ایران جایگاه و اولویت مناسبی ندارد و سیاست خارجی این کشور در بهره‌برداری از موقعیت این منطقه برای توسعۀ روابط منطقه‌ای، اقدامات لازم و جدی نکرده است.
 

کلیدواژه‌ها

موضوعات


عنوان مقاله [English]

Analysis of the Foreign Policy Approach of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the South Asia Region

نویسندگان [English]

  • Ali Tahmasabi, 1
  • Hojjat Mehkoui, 2
  • Alireza Abbasi, 2
  • Reza Simbar, 3
1 Ph.D. student of Political Geography, Department of Geography, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Najafabad, Iran
2 Assistant Professor of Geography Department, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Najafabad, Iran
3 Professor of Political Science Department, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Gilan University, Rasht, Iran
چکیده [English]

The foreign policy approach plays an important role in the development of regional and global relations for countries. Especially in the age of globalization, when the ties and relations between countries in the international arena are completely intertwined; It can even be said that the special nature of the globalization period is such that the least available capacity to communicate with other countries has a positive effect on the international image of that country. In regional relations, the foreign policy approach of the Islamic Republic of Iran has been different approaches and behaviors towards the geopolitical regions around it. South Asia, as an independent geopolitical region based on Sol Cohen's theory and its transformation into a third geostrategic realm, can be one of the regions that offers the necessary potential to change the country's foreign policy approach to this region.
Cross-border national interests and demands of countries in the last decades of the 20th century caused globalization. The globalization of the market economy and the economization of the world system, which gained a lot of speed since the last decade of the 20th century, greatly boosted the geo-economic and geo-strategic competitions in the world. These important developments in the world system have encouraged regionalism and turning to cooperation and regional groupings and convergences to make effective competition between the regions of the world a reality in the global geopolitical system of the postmodern era (Mojtahedzadeh, 2012 : 185). In any case, the foreign policy of countries in the era of globalization is required to respect the national interests of the people of that country. As one of the countries in the world that is located in the geopolitical and geo-economics region of the Middle East, Iran follows the trend of regionalism and regional relations in its foreign policy.
Iran's historical-civilizational, geopolitical and political-security position in the regional and international security system is such that it is inevitable to adopt different approaches in operationalizing Iran's foreign policy. The three main approaches in Iran's foreign policy are: geographical and geopolitical approach, cultural and historical approach, ideological and political-security approach. During the past decades, Iran's foreign policy has had a challenge in creating a balance between these three approaches, which in a way can be considered as a theoretical challenge of focusing on different regional systems in the Middle East, Central Asia and the Caucasus, the Persian Gulf and South Asia (Barzegar, 2009 : 25).
 
Methodology
The main purpose of this article is to analyze the foreign policy approach of the Islamic Republic of Iran in regional relations with the South Asian region. The main question is that "what is the position of the South Asian region in Iran's foreign policy relations and approach"? To answer this question, this research has been done using descriptive-analytical research method and data collection method is from library sources and Internet sites.
 
Result and discussion
In any case, developments in Iran and developments in the international system at the regional and global levels have created a sinusoidal trend in the country's foreign policy. As in most experts' opinions, there is a consensus regarding this process. From the colorfulness to the three riddles that have been proposed for foreign policy, they all tell the behavior of Pandoli and Sinus. For example, a single policy has not been followed in the regional relations between Iran and South Asia. Before the Islamic Revolution, the expansion of geopolitical depth in foreign policy was from the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean. So that when the largest air-sea base of the Indian Ocean was established in Chabahar in 1975, it was announced by the then president of the country. Those who are familiar with geopolitical issues know that our geopolitical sensitivities include the entire Indian Ocean. So that the proposal to form a union of Indian Ocean countries was raised and welcomed by the governments of that region(Mojtahedzadeh, 2012 : 142).
The subcontinent region (South Asia) is very important for Iran. Among the reasons for the political-security importance of this region for Iran are the long borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan, the existence of ecological minorities (Balochs), the weakness of the nation-state structure and fragile governments in this region, political instability, trade and drug smuggling. Narcotics and the threats arising from it, Islamic fundamentalism and international terrorism, the situation of Shiites and finally the presence of the United States and its military bases in the region. Culturally and socially, a large part of this region is considered part of the Iranian civilization, so that Afghanistan can be considered a Persian-speaking nation-state. From an economic point of view, the sub-continent region has not been given much attention due to insecurity and instability, but the peace pipeline extending to the region (Pakistan-India) can bring economic and security advantages for Iran. In general, the subcontinent is the most important geopolitical region around Iran after the Persian Gulf and the Middle East.
In relation to Iran's territorial situation, the concept of geopolitical dependence can be used to expand regional relations with South Asian countries. The dependence of the national interests and goals of a country or political actor on the values and geographical advantages of other countries and political actors is called geopolitical dependence. The distribution pattern of the supply of advantages as well as the demand for geographical advantages is unbalanced. Therefore, places and geographical spaces and then the human groups living in them, nations and governments need and depend on each other. Geopolitical dependence reflects this fact. It should be said that governments try to reduce the level of their geopolitical dependence on other actors, and in unavoidable situations, use balancing tools and mechanisms and increase the dependence of other political units on themselves. Although geopolitical and geographical advantages have a wide range, some of them are: communication route and corridor, port, energy supply source, water resources, export markets, defense and military base, scientific, cultural, historical, religious centers and institutions and ... (Hafezniya, 2006: 146-147). For example, the country of Afghanistan needs a land route to connect to open waters, which can be built from the east of Iran, considering the level of relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Figure 3 shows the corridors that Iran can provide for India. Therefore, it can be said that the geopolitical position of Iran has the ability to create geopolitical dependence for the countries of the South Asian region.
 
Conclusion
What is important in regional relations is efficient foreign policy and active diplomacy so that a government can achieve the national interests of its respective country. Iran can be more successful in its regional relations due to its abundant energy resources. As a geopolitical region and the need for fossil energy, South Asia has the necessary potential in economic and political development. According to the theory of the spatial structure of the geopolitical system of the world, which was proposed by Cohen, the South Asian region as an independent geopolitical region that is mentioned in this theory and it is predicted that in the future, as the third geostrategic region, it will be divided into two geostrategic regions (Maritime and Berry) added to Cohen's theory, can strengthen regional relations for Iran through dependence on fossil energy. however, what can be seen and can be acknowledged is that the approach of Iran's foreign policy to the South Asian region lacks sufficient attention and it can be said that the position of this region in the country's foreign policy is among Iran's important regional priorities. It is not a good place to pay attention to the lack of actions and regional relations observed in this region.
 

کلیدواژه‌ها [English]

  • Foreign Policy
  • Regional Relations
  • Regionalism
  • Islamic Republic of Iran
  • South Asia
  1. -Ahmadi Lafouraki, Behzad and TalebiArani, Roholah (2018), Rereading the Models of Regional Studies in Strengthening the Practical Foundations of the Model of Interregional Security Relations; Political and International Approaches Quarterly, Volume 10, Number 1, Spring, pp. 12-42.]In Persian[
  • Ahmed, Jesmine. (2020). The Theoretical Significance oF Foreign Policy in International Relations- an Analyse; Journal of Critical Reviews, Vol 7, Issue 2, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.31838/jcr.07. 02.144.
  • Akraminiya, Mohamad (2012), Foreign Policy Strategies of the Lslamic Republic of Iran in Achieving the Goals of the 1400 Vision; Strategic Studies Quarterly, 16th year, 2nd issue, summer, pp. 33-60. ]In Persian [
  • Azami, Hadi and Zarghani, SydHadi and Dabiri, Aliakar (2012), Analysis of Regional Priorities and Geopolitical Views in Shaping Regional Organizations (Case Example: Shanghai Cooperation Organization); Quarterly of Iranian Journal of International Politics; Year 1, Issue 1, Fall and Winter, pp. 2-25. ]In Persian [
  • Babakhani Lashakan, Lyla and Koulaei, Elaheh and Ezati, Ezatolah (2017), Chronopolitics of Energy Relations Between Iran and Turkey after the collapse of the Soviet Union; Political Geography Research Quarterly, Second year, second issue, summer, pp. 139-161. ]In Persian [
  • Barati, Alireza and Ahmadi, SydAbas and Zarei, Bahador (2021), Explaining the Defense and Security Challenges of Sea-Oriented Development on the Regional and International Scale of Makran Coasts from the Point of View of Political Geography; Defense Strategy Quarterly, 19th year, number 74, summer, pp. 55-86. ]In Persian [
  • Griffiths, Steven. (2019). Energy diplomacy in a time of energy transition; Energy Strategy Reviews journal, elsevier.com/locate/esr, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2019.100386, 25 July, pp 1-10.
  • Hadipour, Mysam and Hafezniya, Mohammadreza and Sajadpour, SydMohamadkazem and Hkorashadizadeh, Mohammadreza (2019)(a); Geopolitical Opportunities of the Foreign Policy of the Lslamic Republic of Iran in South Asia (Indian Subcontinent); Geography and Development Quarterly, No. 60, Fall, pp. 31-58. ]In Persian [
  • Hadipour, Mysam and Hafezniya, Mohammadreza and Sajadpour, SydMohamadkazem and Hkorashadizadeh, Mohammadreza (2019)(b); Examining the Role of Geopolitical Factors in South Asian Crises (Indian Subcontinent); Geographical Space Quarterly, 20th year, No. 69, Spring, pp. 76-57. ]In Persian [
  • Hadipour, Mysam and Hafezniya, Mohammadreza and Sajadpour, SydMohamadkazem and Hkorashadizadeh, Mohammadreza (2019)(c); Examining the Geopolitical Challenges of the Islamic Republic of Iran's foreign policy in South Asia (Indian subcontinent); Scientific Quarterly of Afaq Security, No. 49, Winter, pp. 171-200. ]In Persian [
  • Hafezniya, Mohammadreza (2006), Principles and Concepts of Geopolitics; Mashhad: Amirkabir Publications, first edition. ]In Persian [
  • Haghighat, SydSadegh (2006), The Foundations, Principles and Objectives of the Foreign Policy of the Islamic State; Qom: Publications of the Research Institute of Islamic Sciences and Culture, first edition. ]In Persian [
  • https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL?locations=8S
  • Karimi, Gholamreza (2006), Islamic Republic of Iran and international organizations; Political Science Quarterly, ninth year, number 36, winter, pp. 159-125. ]In Persian [
  • Mahmoudi raja, SydZakariya and Siyapoushi, Hosyen (2017), Perception of the "National role" and its Effect on the Evolution of Iran's Foreign Policy; World Politics Quarterly, 6th session, 4th issue, winter, pp. 187-211.]In Persian [
  • Maleki, Mostafa and Babaei, Mojtaba (2012), Relations Between Iran and the United Nations after the Victory of the Islamic Revolution; International Relations Studies Quarterly, Volume 5, Number 18, Summer, pp. 155-178. ]In Persian [
  • Masoudipour, Hoseyn and Karimifard and Uosofi, Bahram and Akbarzadeh, Frydoon (2019), Geopolitics of Energy and Foreign Policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran (1357-1396); Two scientific quarterly journals of political science, 15th year, number 2 (30 in a row), autumn and winter, pp. 489-514.]In Persian [
  • MojtahedZadeh, Pirouz (2012), The Philosophy and Function of Geopolitics (Concepts and Theories in the Era of Virtual Space); Tehran: Samit Publications, first edition.]In Persian [
  • Mosafa, Nasrin and Nourouzi, Hoseyn (2014), Management of the Security Environment and the Horizon of Regionalism in SAARC; Politics Quarterly, Volume 44, Number 3, Fall, pp. 625-642. ]In Persian [
  • Nami, Mohammadhasan and Hydaripour, Esfandiyar (2012), A New Model for Accurate Calculation of the Area and Length of the Borders of the Republic of Iran; Regional Planning Quarterly, No. 2, Spring, pp. 248-229.]In Persian [
  • Niyakouei, SydAmir and BahramiMoghadam, Sajad (2014), Iran-India Relations: Opportunities and limitations; Foreign Relations Quarterly, 6th year, 1st issue, Spring, pp. 123-160.] In Persian [
  • Nourmohamadi, Morteza and Fasihidolatshahi, Mohammad Aref (2019), The Application of Regional Security Complex Theory in the Analysis of issues and patterns of relations in South Asia; Political and International Approaches Quarterly, Volume 10, Number 2, Spring, pp. 153-189. ]In Persian [
  • Pishgahifard, Zahra and Mahkouei, Hojat (2012), Regionalism in the Era of Globalization, Case Study: Regional Organization of Guam; Central Eurasian Studies Quarterly, Year 5, Number 10, Spring and Summer, pp. 21-40. ]In Persian [
  • Pourahmadi, Hosyn and Motamedi Amin, Hosyn (2014), The Position of the United Nations in the Foreign Policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran; Quarterly of Political and International Approaches, 5th year, summer number 38, pp. 9-48. ]In Persian [
  • Rahmani, Mansour (2015), Public Diplomacy and Foreign Policy; Globalization Strategic Studies Quarterly, 6th year, 15th issue, pp. 63-89.
  • Roshan, Amir and Alimirzaei, Fatemh (2017), Analysis of the Foreign Policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran during the Imposed War Based on the Critical Theory of International Relations; Bi-quarterly Journal of Islamic Revolution and Holy Defense Studies, new period, third year, second issue, autumn and winter, pp. 45-69. ]In Persian [
  • Solymani, Gholamali and Dehghani Firozabadi, SydJalal (2014), The Meaning and Institutional Dimensions of Decision-Making in the Foreign Policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran; Two Quarterly Journals of Theoretical Policy Research, No. 16, Fall and Winter, pp. 71-100. ]In Persian [
  • Spohr, Alexandre Piffero & André Luiz Reis da Silva. (2017). Foreign Policy’s Role in Promoting Development: the Brazilian and Turkish Cases; Contexto Internacional vol. 39 (1) Jan/Apr, http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-8529.2017390100008.
  • Taremi, Kamran and Moradi, Iraj (2014), Examining the Foreign Policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the European Union in the Last Three Decades; International Relations Studies Quarterly, Volume 7, Number 28, Winter, pp. 166-133. ]In Persian [
  • World Bank Macro Poverty Outlook and staff calculations,2022.