Principles of the School of Humanist Geopolitics (A New Approach and way to the Political and Moral Life of Humankind)
Mohammad Reza
Hafeznia
Full Professor of Political Geography, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
author
text
article
2021
per
Geopolitics as a branch of political geography is scientific in nature and, similar to other scientific disciplines, has two aspects: basic (fundamental) and applied. The basic aspect deals with the production of scientific theories, theoretical propositions and the development of geopolitical knowledge. The applied aspect deals with the production of practical theories, patterns and practical geopolitical methods to meet the needs of nations, countries and human societies. Applied knowledge of geopolitics, like applied propositions and theories of other disciplines, can be affected to some extent by worldviews, ideologies, cultures, attitudes, as well as the interests of nations, political users, and governments.Therefore, geopolitical science and knowledge, similar to other scientific disciplines, are inherently worthwhile and useful, and must be developed to meet the needs of nations and humankind. However, geopolitical knowledge must not be abused by governments and political actors on any scale, whether global, national or local. In contrast, it must be at the service to provide the needs of the citizens, human constructs, nations and human societies. Also, governments and political actors should exercise it in the same direction.Accordingly, the author (Dr. M. R. Hafeznia) has established and proposed a new theoretical /practical approach in the application of geopolitical science and knowledge in the political and moral life of humankind and human constructs, especially nations, under the title of "The Humanist Geopolitics". This view was published for the first time in the form of an article under the same title by the author in Geopolitics Quarterly, Volume: 3, No 4, Winter 2008, and later in the Journal of Conflicts in France, Paris in 2015. Since this geopolitical school has attracted the attention of some interested readers and has raised some questions and ambiguities for them, the author decided to formulate its principles and make them available to those interested to clarify the attitude and dimensions of this school of thought, with the hope that a step can be taken in the direction of relieving the suffering of humankind as the chosen ones by the God as creator of the universe and enhancing the living pattern of humankind and human constructs.The principles of the school of humanist geopolitics are as follows:1.The school of humanist geopolitics is based on the principle of fairness and opposition to avarice. According to this school, all individuals and human constructs should benefit from the resources and advantages in the geographical space of their relevant or globally-shared habitat based on the natural right that exists as a divine providence in the essence of the system of creation and the world, as well as official, national and international social contracts. Hence, this school is against avarice and violating the rights of others.2.Humanist geopolitics puts emphasis on the originality of the peace and coexistence of nations and human constructs with each other as well as with nature and its creatures as their geographical habitat. It emphasizes peaceful relations and coexistence and cooperation between countries, nations, governments, human constructs who live in geographical spaces and emphasizes the maintenance of the dynamic balance in micro and macro geographical ecosystems for the favorable and optimal life of humankind.3.Humanist geopolitics emphasizes that the applied aspect of geopolitical science and knowledge should be used to respect human dignity as a divine providence, to provide peace and security, human well-being, freedom of thought and expression, the right to choose personal and private lifestyle, resilient and sustainable development, provision of civil rights, equal living standards, and inclusive social and geographical justice.4.Humanist geopolitics puts emphasis on the originality of humankind and citizens based on the natural right arising from the system of creation and the ecological relations of human constructs with their geographical habitat, and emphasizes that the rights of humankind and citizens have priority to the rights of governments, political/economic actors, and those who control power.5.Humanist geopolitics does not support war, violence and crisis, which cause suffering for humankind, destroy human capital and life, and destroy human habitats, and it considers war inherently evil. Rather, it seeks to come up with solutions to avert war, crisis, and reduce suffering in human life in general.6.Humanist geopolitics stands against imperialist geopolitics. Imperialist geopolitics seeks to outline and justify the expansionist and aggressive goals and actions of governments and states. In fact, the imperialist approach, which is unfortunately the dominant paradigm in the field of foreign policy and international relations of the current world, confirms, justifies and even prescribes the thought and behavior of governments and ruling powers in encroaching on the geographical spaces and habitats of other nations and human constructs and violating their natural rights. Humanist geopolitics strongly opposes such an approach and believes that the geographical territory and habitat of human constructs, including nations, should be protected from any kind of aggression.7.According to this school, people and citizens are the philosophy and reasons for state-building and governments. Thus, humanist geopolitics considers the government, rulers and political managers of the space to be the product of the will of the people, and recognizes the citizens and the people as the main owners of the decision-making process in their geographical habitat, and the basis of political power and government.8.Humanist geopolitics puts emphasis on the originality of the ideas and wants of the majority of the people, and believes that the government submits to the will of the majority of the people by preserving the natural rights and citizenship of all individuals and human constructs. However, the sovereignty of the victorious majority who have seized political and legislative power in the democratic process, must always respect the natural rights of the minority groups of the society, as well as minority structures and groundbreaking thinkers and refrain from exercising the legal dictatorship of the majority over the minority.9.In this view, the government always exposes itself to the peaceful and free criticism of the people, and by shaping public and formal mechanisms, it constantly measures its legitimacy and, in case of its breakdown, voluntarily relinquishes political power and leaves people free to make political decisions. In other words, political power and sovereignty are transferred peacefully through real, not fake, democracy.10.Humanist geopolitics refrains from accepting and utilizing political and military extrajudicial and aggressive ways with dissident and protesting citizens. Also, it does not support from the military government and the use of extrajudicial (informal) security forces to control the protests of even a small number of citizens inside the country. This view basically does not consider any philosophy or necessity for establishing military government inside countries. In this regard, it emphasizes the legal role and transparent use of legal, official, judicial and police security forces.11.In this school, the government''s relations with the nation and citizens are formed in the form of a strategy of persuasion, a mechanism for exchanging ideas and a critical and constructive dialogue, based on the good and public interest of the people.12.Humanist geopolitics investigates and reveals the process of imagining and intellectual architecture of citizens by governments and political actors that is done through the media and with political goals and justification and legitimacy of their policies and inappropriate actions in geographical spaces and places. It also criticizes the policies of the ruling power, which, in line with its political interests and intentions, brings crisis and destruction to geographical places and spaces. In fact, humanist geopolitics criticize quasi-scientific discourses, policies, actions, propositions, and theories which are at the service of politics and politicians who cause suffering and misery for humankind and humanity by utilizing these policies.13.Humanist geopolitics is neither for governments nor against them. Rather, it moves in the direction of the rights, interests and dignity of the majority of citizens and the public goodness and accompanies governments to the extent that their policies, programs and actions are in the direction of peace, comprehensive security, welfare, progress, comfort, freedom of thought and the right to choose the lifestyle, good and public interest of the people and citizens. Therefore, humanist geopolitics keeps away from governments if they abuse geopolitical knowledge and strategies.14.In the school of humanist geopolitics, governments, states, representatives, and government agents have representative nature. Thus, they do not have the right to make decisions on an issue that impacts on the life and destiny of more than half (50 percent) of the people of the nation or households living in a geographical area, whether small or large. Therefore, they are obliged to make decisions and legislate on basic and common national and public affairs by referring to public votes and referendums, and based on the votes of the majority of people and citizens. For example, determining, changing and reforming the government system and the constitution, the appointment of the head of state, the heads of the three branches of government (especially the Chief Justice), the highest official of the armed forces, war and peace, conscription and obligatory military service, the enactment of strict rules, allocation and abolishment of national subsidy, capital change, adjunction and secession of country divisions, privatization of national wealth, utilization of national currency reserves, change of national currency, determination of sources of income and public and development expenses of the government, conclusion of bilateral or multilateral foreign agreements which have national and territorial obligations, imposing restrictions such as filtering of cyberspace and so on. Fortunately, electronic voting has simplified the process of referendums and direct voting of people and citizens in various aspects. Therefore, it is expected that in the future there will be no need for parliaments and legislative assemblies and people and human constructs will participate directly in the process of legislation, policy-making and election of governing bodies and managers at national and local levels.15.Based on the principle of intellectual, scientific, technical, social, spatial and political dynamism which exists in human life, humanist geopolitics emphasizes that the lives of humankind and human constructs must be constantly evolving in the direction of evolution, renovation, progress and improvement for humans to evolve. Therefore, governments, states, political leaders and relevant international institutions must continuously review and optimize all national and global structures governing the life and work of humankind, human constructs and nations in order to respond appropriately with regard to this dynamism and provide the cultural, social, mental, intellectual, political, legal, administrative, executive context for the comprehensive development and progress of humankind. Specifically, the constitutions of countries, the structure and charter of the United Nations, and the statutes of international organizations and institutions should be reviewed, updated, and optimized over a period of 5 to 10 years.16.From a humanist geopolitics point of view, capital and investment are important factors in scientific, spatial, social and political dynamism. However, unrestrained investment focused on the capitalist profit-seeking craze and with a customer-oriented strategy and enticement into irrational consumption is the cause of many calamities and sufferings for humanity, human constructs, the destruction of geographical ecosystems and biological foundations, as well as social, spatial and geographical injustice. Therefore, managing and directing the capital and investment process is significantly important for the people as well as organizing a balanced and resilient geographical habitat and ecosystem for human constructs in such a way that ensures fair and rational profitability for capital owners. According to this view, governments, as the institution of political management of space and on behalf of the people at local, national, regional and global scales, must curb capitalism and unrestrained investment and manage it in a way that simultaneously provides insurance of the natural interests and rights of citizens, the health and ecological balance of their geographical habitat, and coexistence with nature and other creatures.17.Humanist geopolitics puts emphasis on the originality of private property as a natural right of citizens, as well as small individual economic activities and corporate-economic activities based on extensive citizens’ participation in the field of ownership and the pattern of economic activity in society. Hence, humanist geopolitics rejects the capitalist, socialist, communist, and dictatorial patterns of property and economics, which are exaggerated and associated with economic-social inequality on the one hand, and instrumentalization and deprivation of human freedom on the other hand. In this school, both economic state-centrism and economic capitalism are rejected. In the proposed model, the role of government is limited to strategic management of the economy, consulting, training, guidance, promotion of knowledge and techniques of modern economic enterprise management, and regulation of economic processes focusing on the economic role of citizens in all economic sectors. The main goals of this model are: creating full employment, balanced distribution of wealth in society and geographical spaces, creating a dialogic environment of healthy cooperation and competition, emphasizing the originality of the role of people and citizens in the economy, developing national participation in activities and economic dynamism, processing spatial economic advantages in different regions of the country, role-playing of national economy in the international economy, shrinkage of organizational structure of governments and reduction in national costs, meaningful and rational participation of citizens in financing government through the tax system, increasing the level of freedom of thought and economic action of citizens, the flourishing of the talents of economic activists in society and so on.18.Humanist geopolitics considers detention as a fundamental principle and necessity for the development of peace, coexistence and security in the relations of countries, nations and human constructs. Accordingly, it emphasizes dialogue strategy, constructive engagement, and diplomacy for detention, and recommends it to governments and leaders of countries, nations, and human constructs.19.Humanist geopolitics does not support militarism policy in relations between countries and nations, and believes in the philosophy of deterrence and national security by military forces. This approach believes that the existence and strength of military forces in countries is a necessity and considers its existence as a prerequisite for peace and deterrence of aggression and war. But it strongly opposes the policies and actions of governments and states in using military force as a tool against other nations and countries. Accordingly, it opposes the presence and use of the military forces of countries outside their geographical territory, except in the form of the UN peacekeeping forces.20.With regard to the growing trend of interdependencies of geographical places and spaces, as well as the development of global networks and world functional systems on a global scale, humanist geopolitics believes in the integration of political management of the global space on Earth and beyond. Accordingly, it recommends the dissolution of the current United Nations, which is not a well-functioning body anymore, and instead proposes the establishment of a model of international participation management based on global democracy. The empirical example of this model is the European Parliament, which has been operationalized on a regional scale.21.Humanist geopolitics opposes any kind of agonizing dictatorship for protecting the rights and interests of the people and citizens and believes in the realization of the following items: the right to freedom of thought and expression to the extent that it does not violate the rights of other citizens, the absolute right to choose lifestyle and private and personal life pattern, the right to have shared social services, the right to satisfy basic material and spiritual needs, the right to ask and receive persuasive answers from rulers and politicians, the right to life and financial security, the obedience of government and political managers of space to the people and citizens, balanced spatial / geographical distribution of political and economic power, political and executive decentralization, simplifying and minimizing government agencies and administrative, legal, political and executive processes. Therefore, it has a hatred of any kind of traditional and modern dictatorships, including organizational and administrative, political, legal, cultural, individual, group, majority, minority, ideological, elite, charismatic, technical, electronic, digital dictatorships and others that cause mental and physical harassment for people and citizens.22.Humanist geopolitics opposes the continuation of structures, values, traditions and mental/ historical beliefs and social and cultural patterns that have a conservative aspect and restrict the freedom, progress and development of human thought and lifestyle and cause suffering and destruction for human constructs and geographical habitats. This school believes that it is the duty of the scientific and social elites to optimize or remove the above-mentioned structures and patterns from the text of social thought with free thinking, courage and initiative, and pave the way for the freedom of thought and living patterns and continuation of the inherent process of progress and evolution of human life.23.The school of humanist geopolitics seems to be apparently idealistic. However, according to human experiences, ideals grow in the context of time and gradually in the heart of society and are manifested in the form of common thoughts and values and the general will of the people and citizens and become a reality. There are several examples of the applied aspect of the humanist geopolitics in the world today, which can be developed and strengthened within the framework of this school. For instance, international partnership conventions, regional cooperation, international organizations, fair international agreements on the exploitation of water resources and biological foundations, the formation of the European Union and the European Parliament, regional and international conferences to overcome political and geopolitical crises, governance model and political management of space in some countries such as Switzerland , Germany, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore etc., and humanist thoughts and actions of some leaders and political actors in the world.24.The humanist geopolitics is a basic need for humankind and human constructs, including nations in the world today and in the future. It is an approach to save people who are tired from the crises, failures, sufferings, miseries, inequalities, injustice, demagoguery, lies, destruction and oppression which have been perverting the course of politics, economics and ideology for humankind. Also, is an approach to restrict the thinking and actions of governments and political actors for creating a model of life that is suitable for the dignity of humankind, which is a gift of God bestows upon them.
Geopolitics Quarterly
Iranian Association of Geopolitics
1735-4331
17
v.
64
no.
2021
1
9
https://journal.iag.ir/article_134803_3ca201dc6de69e533cb882665d4cb2a4.pdf
Britain’s Geopolitical Consideration in the Middle East during the Six-day Arab Israel War of 1967: A Reassessment
Muhamad Hasrul
Zakariah
School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
author
text
article
2021
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This study is reassessing the geopolitical consideration of the British government in the Sixth Days of the Arab-Israeli War,1967. Based on declassified documents from the British’s archive, this paper will analyze the geopolitical factor which shaped London’s reaction towards the conflict. Middle East geopolitical position was very strategic to the British interests in the region. Hence, the focus of this paper is to re-examine the consequence of the war toward Britain’s attitude in preserving her strategic military position and economic calculation in the Middle East between 1960s to early 1970s. These including the paramountcy of the British military bases in the region, arm trade commercial activities and a disruption of the oil flow from the region to the West. From historical perspective and analysis, this paper argued that the threats from the Soviet and Arab nationalist movements during the conflict had significantly influenced the British government’s reaction towards the war. Although London did not involve directly in the conflict like in the 1956’s Suez Crisis, yet British’s response was still crucial since Britain was the prime architect in drafting and tabling the United Nation Resolution 242 after the war. Indeed, this research inclines to believe that the British equilibrium attitude as proclaimed during the conflict was not purely based on a principle of a just and lasting peace but it was very much relying upon geopolitical consideration of safeguarding British major strategic interests in the region.
Geopolitics Quarterly
Iranian Association of Geopolitics
1735-4331
17
v.
64
no.
2021
10
27
https://journal.iag.ir/article_134604_21fd083cdd37bf06f97d4e9ec634f67b.pdf
Delineation of an Optimal Security Perspective for the Caspian Region
Mohammad Bagher
Ghalibaf
Associate Professor of Political Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
author
Majid
Gholami
PhD, Political Geography, Department of Political Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
author
text
article
2021
per
The security-based futurology of political units is a type of futurology focusing on geographic areas to assess their security status in the future. The Caspian region as one of the regions facing various factors has gained geopolitical significance, has a wide range of probable futures. The operational objective of this study is to identify the criteria affecting the security of this region and its final objective is to delineate an optimal security-based future for the region through a future study approach. It is a qualitative case study being formulated based on some qualitative and quantitative models and the relevant literature is used as the basis for classifying security standards into six groups of military, economic, spatial, sociocultural, political and environmental. the results were used to present 18 criteria of this region security. Then, 26 questionnaires were distributed among a group of faculty members of geopolitics from the universities of Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. The collected data were analyzed using the combined mean TOPSIS method and key criteria of the Caspian region security were extracted. The findings indicated that the three key criteria of joint military and weapons investment, commercial relations and human development as the most critical geopolitical criteria of security in this region formed eight security scenarios and finally the scenario based on ‘regional joint military and weapons investment, free trade, and the homogeneous human development’ with higher scores were introduced as the criterion for the delineation of security perspective for the leaders of countries in this region.
Geopolitics Quarterly
Iranian Association of Geopolitics
1735-4331
17
v.
64
no.
2021
28
52
https://journal.iag.ir/article_129482_f3a0919c188823b90bd64723f4f593c1.pdf
Geopolitics and the Roots of Islamic Fundamentalism (Case Study: Fundamentalist Groups in the Horn of Africa)
Meysam
Mirzaei Tabar
Assistant Professor of Political Geography, Geopolitical Studies Group, African Studies Center, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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text
article
2021
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Islamic fundamentalism is a thought school in the Islamic World which is manifested in the formation of Islamic fundamentalist groups and different violent actions. The Horn of Africa is a region for Islamic fundamentalist movements. From past to present, the most active fundamentalist Islamic groups in the region are AIAI, ICU and Al-Shabab group. The most important issue in this relation is the relation between Islamic fundamentalism and geopolitics. This research is theoretical from viewpoint of the nature and method and also is descriptive-analytic in terms of its approach. The research data gathering procedure is based on library findings. The research analyzed the relation between Islamic fundamentalism and geopolitics with the investigation of Islamic fundamentalist groups in the Horn of Africa. The research main question is that what is the relation between geopolitics and the formation of Islamic fundamentalism in the Horn of Africa? The research findings showed that Islamic fundamentalism is in geopolitical thought and the leaders of Islamic fundamentalist groups not only follow geopolitical thought in their goals and utopias, but also the causes and roots of the formation of Islamic fundamentalist groups have geopolitical burden, and six geopolitical roots can be characterized for the formation of Islamic fundamentalist groups.
Geopolitics Quarterly
Iranian Association of Geopolitics
1735-4331
17
v.
64
no.
2021
53
74
https://journal.iag.ir/article_129480_4b6cd93360ed01493da9983af28085ec.pdf
Modelling and Strategic Analysis of Yemen Conflict Based on the Graph Model
Mojgan
Ghorbani
Ph.D Student of International Relation, Tarbiat Modares University,Tehran,Iran
author
text
article
2021
per
Yemen crisis is a political and security one, in which besides domestic actors, regional and transregional actors also play some various roles in this process, based on their own national strategies and interests. Therefore, recognizing effective actors in the conflict, their actions and preferences is the most important factor to determining and finding some ways to settle the conflict. The question is, what will be the future of the Yemeni crisis? Graph model analysis indicated that Saudi Arabia and Ansar Allah will accept ceasefire and negotiate, while the war may also be continued, but it will not be the most likely effect and if UN Security Council has a more active role in establishing a ceasefire and creating a peaceful state, the actors for this conflict can reach a political and peaceful solution to settle the conflict.So, the purpose of this article is to show by descriptive-analytical method that by modeling conflicts and using graph model, constructive solutions can be discovered for them and the state of equilibrium in crisis can be suggested to its actors.
Geopolitics Quarterly
Iranian Association of Geopolitics
1735-4331
17
v.
64
no.
2021
75
100
https://journal.iag.ir/article_134619_fe04e3ab45aa211272e834c39759f393.pdf
Monarchy Interactions in the International Political System: A Case Study of Royal Interactions between Kelantan and Thailand, 1979-2010
Asmady
Idris
International Relations Programme, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities,
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Malaysia
author
Marja Azlima
Omar
- International Relations Programme, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Malaysia
author
Rizal Zamani
Idris
- International Relations Programme, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Malaysia
author
text
article
2021
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This article examines the role of the monarchy institution by focussing on the Kelantan monarchy institution, especially during the reign of the Al-Marhum Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku Ismail Petra (1979-2010), which had shown noteworthy contributions in strengthening bilateral relation between two monarch families of Kelantan and Thailand. The study endeavours to analyse why the relations of these two monarch families are intimate, and how they are able to sustain their mutual interactions which benefits both royal institutions? In answering these two important questions, the study divides the scope of discussion into three main points. Firstly, it attempts to locate the position of the monarch institution in the international political system vis-à-vis the prevailing modern state system of government nowadays. Secondly, it explores the early interactions of the Kelantan and Thailand monarchs which sets the bedrock of the present relations. Thirdly, it assesses the role of Al-Marhum Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Ismail Petra as the main focus of the study, to sustain the relations with the Thai royals, and concurrently has benefitted both in developing the Royal Kelantan socio-development projects, and dealing with the crisis in the southern part of Thailand. The methods of this study comprised of interviews with the Kelantan monarch and its officials before and during the 2007 Royal Commemoration of Universiti Malaysia Sabah and content research of written documents from archives and library research.
Geopolitics Quarterly
Iranian Association of Geopolitics
1735-4331
17
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64
no.
2021
101
129
https://journal.iag.ir/article_134620_60e8d601cccb3affadbaaae31dea04a3.pdf
Political Time in the Iranian Bio-power: Re-approaching the Tanzimat in the Qajar
Reza
Najafzadeh
Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science and International Relations Faculty of Economics and Political Science Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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text
article
2021
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Policy developments over time and the dialectic of time and power in modern Iran have a long fluctuating history. There has not been much research on the foundations of political time in Iran. The birth of a new government in Iran within the Tanzimat system coincides with the birth of a new subjectivity that has been determined in the game with the institutions. Contemporary Iranian timescapes is actually the result of tension between the Antiqui and the Moderni, the Old and the New, on the eve of the transition from medieval Iran to Iranian modernity. This temporal-spatial transition is the sphere of dialectical link between Iranian designers of Tajaddod (modernity) and the conservative body of the royal court. This article tries to apply the theoretical tools of comparative historical analysis to state that “time matters” and “time could not be neglected” in Iranian government studies. Genealogical philosophy of time would be the main approach of research. It is well recognized how useful the Foucauldian genealogy and discourse analysis could be for historical sociology and institutionalism. The creative hermeneutic toolbox will also be used in this hybrid approach. Then combined theoretical concepts from the theoreticians of `timescape`, `political time`, `short-term society`, and socio-historical concepts such as `rhizome`, `territorialization` and `bio-politics` would be used in a hermeneutical way. The main contribution is the application of timescape theory and its integration with genealogy and creative hermeneutics on Iran.
Geopolitics Quarterly
Iranian Association of Geopolitics
1735-4331
17
v.
64
no.
2021
130
155
https://journal.iag.ir/article_120405_0412bb6f9bc295bb62ad91cf795f662d.pdf
Re-Focusing on Iran-Russia Cooperation in the Syrian Crisis; A ‘broader’ Strategic Stability on Agenda
Ali Reza
Noori
Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Economics and Political Science, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
author
Heidarali
Masoudi
Assistant professor at the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Economics and Political Science, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
author
text
article
2021
per
The main purpose of this article is to examine how and to what extent Iran-Russia cooperation is effective in ensuring ‘broader’ strategic stability through balancing in the Middle East. Strategic stability and balance of power are interrelated components of the region’s order which have changed following the Arab Spring and the Syrian crisis. The article analyzes Iran and Russia’s impact on these two concepts, with a systemic approach, paying attention to interrelationship of variables at regional and international levels. Although strategic stability has been generally considered an issue at international level of great powers politics, this paper, emphasizing on evolution of international relations, believes in a new, complex and multilayered definition of strategic stability - a ‘broader’ one in the Middle East, which is not necessarily ensured by agreements or balance among great powers. The results indicate that Iran-Russia cooperative balancing in the Syrian crisis against the US and at regional level with emphasis on a broad regional balance system has been effective in providing ‘broader’ strategic stability in the region. Although Russia's policy in this field put some limits on Iran, strategically it serves Iran’s interests.
Geopolitics Quarterly
Iranian Association of Geopolitics
1735-4331
17
v.
64
no.
2021
156
185
https://journal.iag.ir/article_125695_3a574461d47042cbf2bec0bed32da194.pdf
The Geopolitics of US-Poland Relations Under President Trump
Trivun
Sharma
PhD Scholar, Faculty of Political Science and International Studies, University of Warsaw, Poland
author
text
article
2021
per
The article analyzes the contemporary factors that contributed to US-Poland relations under President Trump. Both the United States and Poland had their fair share of troubles with the EU. For Poland, issues range with compliance over the rule of law, adherence to common EU values and the refugee resettlement and migration policy. For the US, issues with the EU under the Trump presidency formed a larger part of the changing US policy towards the transatlantic alliance. The article argues that while both the United States and Poland find common interests in defense, energy security and their estranged relationship with Germany, Poland’s economic engagement with the EU, in particular with Germany, forces Warsaw at best to find a balance between its main economic partner the EU and its security ally the United States. For the US, its relationship with Poland under the Trump presidency, falls in line with its policy of prioritizing bi-lateral relationships in the EU, thereby undermining the EU-NATO multilateral dynamics.
Geopolitics Quarterly
Iranian Association of Geopolitics
1735-4331
17
v.
64
no.
2021
186
205
https://journal.iag.ir/article_133409_d5d0464c181f66aa27578e1e2181bcef.pdf
The Effects of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on Regional Geopolitics
Iqtidar
Hussain
Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), Shanghai, China
author
Israr
Hussain
Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), Shanghai, China
author
Guo
Ke
Professor, Dean School of Journalism and Communication, Shanghai International Studies University, China
author
Muhammadi
Muhammadi
School of International Relations and Public Affairs, Shanghai International Studies University, China
author
text
article
2021
per
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) brings a multidimensional shift in regional geopolitics. The objective of this study examines the changing dynamics in regional geopolitics regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) by analyzing the theoretical spectrum of the geopolitical theories of Heartland and Rimland. This paper hypothesized the economic gravity of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor could potential to develop a favorable geopolitical environment across the region. In sum, the outcomes of this research, the CPEC could transform the regional geopolitics from conventional to critical as converting the current hostile geopolitical environment into favorable geopolitics regarding its geo-economic potential. Resultantly, CPEC will convert the economic vulnerable, and war turn zone into economic well-being, peace and stable region.
Geopolitics Quarterly
Iranian Association of Geopolitics
1735-4331
17
v.
64
no.
2021
206
230
https://journal.iag.ir/article_129600_4759aaa065a4b7d484b83b530032a9f9.pdf
The Impact of Identity Crisis in Iraq (post-Saddam) on the Islamic Republic of Iran Foreign Policy Orientation
Moslem
Haghi
PhD student in International Relations, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University Tabriz, Iran
author
Mohammad
Yousefi Jouybari
Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University Tabriz, Iran
author
Ehsan
Shakeri Khoee
Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University Tabriz, Iran.
author
text
article
2021
per
< Iraq is a prominent identity crisis example. Ethnic and religious multiplicity have caused political and social conflicting divisions. Shiites, Kurds, and Sunnis are the main group players. Kurdish and Arab are ethnic, Shiite and Sunni are religious groups. Islamic Revolution made fundamental changes in Iran’s foreign policy orientation. In Iraq simultaneously, Saddam took power. Different ethnicities and identities had no expressing opportunity. US invasion and Ba''athist overthrow brought Iraq into a new and unstable phase, and various groups and ethnicities expressed their conflicting political and social identity goals and demands. Regional countries particularly Iran have expanded their influence in Iraq by changing the foreign policy orientation, to prevent others from increasing their effect. This study is to analyze and investigate identity crisis impact in Iraq on Iran’s foreign policy orientation emphasizing post-Saddam era (2003-2020) applying Constructivism Theory. The descriptive-analytical method and library resources used in collecting data and information.
Geopolitics Quarterly
Iranian Association of Geopolitics
1735-4331
17
v.
64
no.
2021
231
262
https://journal.iag.ir/article_115130_ca5f1e5465dfa27ee99377e6f8b6fb73.pdf
The Role of Haushofer's Theory in Nazi Germany (Its Impact on Iran's National Security)
Reza
Dolati
PhD Student in Political Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
author
Qiuomars
Yazdanpanah Dero
Associate Professor, Department of Political Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
author
Ali Reza
Mehrabi
Associate Professor of Political Geography , Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
author
text
article
2021
per
The Middle East and North Africa have always been of great interest to global thought and power due to their strategic location and huge fuel resources. One instance was Nazi Germany, which had specific geographical considerations for the region. This study seeks to answer the question: "How did the change in the role of German geopolitics from Haushofer's Ideas to Hitler's affect the fate of Iran during Reza Shah's reign?"; We will explain what happened, and why it happened. This research is descriptive-analysis in terms of its nature and method. In this article, an attempt was made to use graphical models to better understand concepts. The results indicate that Nazi Germany's ideas for conquering the world under Adolf Hitler and Rudolf Hess were very different from those of Haushofer. In World War II, Haushofer’s theory was replaced by Hitler's viewpoints. This change had a direct impact on Iran's strategy; Reza Shah adopted a neutral strategy during this period, which eventually led to defeat and military occupation of Iran. Thus, when Nazi Germany's strategy shifted from Haushofer’s to Hitler’s, Reza Shah should have changed his approach too.
Geopolitics Quarterly
Iranian Association of Geopolitics
1735-4331
17
v.
64
no.
2021
263
288
https://journal.iag.ir/article_113027_ebe1cd8782743dd8e5de7283c4e63a93.pdf
The Role of Indonesian and Egyptians’ NGOs in Democratisation
Mansoureh
Ebrahimi
Assistant Professor Academy of Islamic Civilization, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Technologi Malaysia.
author
Mukhamad
Shokheh
Academy of Islamic Civilization, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Lecturer at Department of History, Universitas Negeri Semarang (Semarang State University), Indonesia.
author
Kamaruzaman
Yusoff
Academy of Islamic Civilization, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Technologi Malaysia.
author
text
article
2021
per
The emergence of Non Government Organizations (NGOs) in various fields of life is proof that civil society is essential in building a democratic society. NGOs can educate citizens and communities on their fundamental rights to create a democratic state and world order life. NGOs in Indonesia and Egypt have played a significant role in strengthening democratic movements by empowering civil society. This study examines NGOs’ role in democratization in Indonesia during the reign of President Suharto and Egypt under the leadership of President Hosni Mubarak. In carrying out their functions, NGOs take a stand as a balancing force for the state and agents of community empowerment. The NGOs’ elements struggle in producing an ideal democratic society order in these two countries facing their respective challenges. Some NGOs challenge building democratic society such as military domination, party hegemony systems, and robust state control over society. To encourage democratization in Indonesia and Egypt, NGOs have contributed to building democratic practices, improving democratic performance, strengthening civil rights, monitoring elections, and promoting corruption eradication. The strengthening of democracy by NGOs in Indonesia and Egypt has impacted building political openness, awareness of citizens' political rights, and pro-society public policies.
Geopolitics Quarterly
Iranian Association of Geopolitics
1735-4331
17
v.
64
no.
2021
289
306
https://journal.iag.ir/article_134777_e10acd3ae0b3e8bf2d934098e5e155c0.pdf
The Role of Science and Technology Diplomacy in Preventing Nuclear Proliferation (A Case Study: EU and Kazakhstan)
Ebrahim
Taheri
Assistant Professor of Political Science at Yazd university, Yazd, Iran
author
Mohammad
Abedi Ardekani
Associate Professor of Political Science, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran
author
Younes
Hadadi Ahangar
Master’s Degree in International Relations, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.
author
text
article
2021
per
Science and technology diplomacy has been considered as one of the influential tools in the international arena by many countries and even trade and political unions. The European Union has also implemented various programs with Central Asian countries. The research question is what are the goals and objectives of EU science and technology diplomacy in Kazakhstan? The results show that EU scientific diplomacy is pursued in two forms: scientific diplomacy based on technology and scientific diplomacy based on the humanities in Central Asia. For example, 4 to 7-year programs have been implemented in Central Asian countries, such as Kazakhstan include biology, genomics and biotechnology for health, information technologies, nanotechnology, knowledge-based multifunctional materials and new manufacturing processes and tools, air and space, food quality and safety. The main focus of the program is on Kazakhstan. The main objectives of these programs appear to monitor the country's nuclear activities with the aim of preventing nuclear proliferation via support from the model of neoliberal economic development, increase the capacity of civil society, and support the soft power of the union. This research will use descriptive-analytical methods and second-hand data collection.
Geopolitics Quarterly
Iranian Association of Geopolitics
1735-4331
17
v.
64
no.
2021
307
333
https://journal.iag.ir/article_134778_c5b66ba7e5cce291f5629d2ffc1916f6.pdf
The Geopolitics of Sport and Diplomacy of Neighborhood Relations in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar (Case study: Iran and the Persian Gulf Arab States)
Seyed Mohammad Taghi
Raeissadat
PhD in Political Geography, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
author
Afshin
Mottaghi
Associate Professor of Political Geography, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
author
Seyed Nasrollah
Sajjadi
Full Professor of Sport Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
author
Hossein
Rabiei
Assistant Professor of Political Geography, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
author
text
article
2021
per
The significance of neighborhood relations in geopolitics cannot be over-emphasized. As a space for neighborhood relations, sport is one of the most effective issues in power, competition, and convergence on national and transnational scales. International competitive sports are useful for remembering people to compare themselves with the other nation’s achievements and capabilities. Meanwhile, the Persian Gulf is the most significant region in the world due to its energy resources and strategic position. Tensions between the regional states have increased, especially between Iran and some Arab states. Most of these tensions have appeared in sport and athletic competitions. Therefore, the emergence of political-geographical rivalry in sports contests can be studied as the geopolitics of sport. This descriptive-analytic paper explained the power aspects in sport and politics from the point of the geopolitics of sport in the Persian Gulf region and studied geopolitical competitions in the region and its interaction in the sporting arena. The results of the research indicate that sports contests can bring sphere of convergence and cooperation and in some cases can provide the increasing and strengthen of tension and competition
Geopolitics Quarterly
Iranian Association of Geopolitics
1735-4331
17
v.
64
no.
2021
334
352
https://journal.iag.ir/article_118169_874b32da181cadd7261248ca04496d9b.pdf