Geopolitics Quarterly

Geopolitics Quarterly

Patterns of Iran's Activism in Iraq's Geopolitics

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Reza Zabihi
Assistant Professor of International Relations, Department of Iranian Geography Studies, Iranology Foundation, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/igq.2024.414700.1800
Abstract
Following the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003 and the establishment of governments based on the people's votes, due to the long-standing religious and cultural ties between the peoples of Iran and Iraq, the ground for Iran's activism in the geopolitics of this country was provided. Iran's regional policy, while observing the principles of good neighborliness and non-interference, has taken a special and strategic view of these developments and has acted in an effort to secure national interests. In this regard, three patterns regarding Iran's activism in Iraq's geopolitics are proposed, which include the pattern of passive activism or non-participation, interactive activism, and activism based on soft power and economic links. Examining these three patterns and the advantages and disadvantages associated with each one, and analysis regarding which pattern will be more likely to provide Iran's national interests are the main topics of this article. Based on the results of this research, Iran can have a unique position in Iraq's geopolitics due to its relative advantages compared to other actors. Based on this, an effective regional policy to deepen the relations between Iran and Iraq, on the one hand, is focused on social relations that are rooted in culture, religion, language and common race, and on the other hand, it is focused on deepening economic relations and establishing mutual dependence. 
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Keywords
Iran
Regional Politics
Iraq
Geopolitics
Soft power

Subjects

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Geopolitics Quarterly
Volume 20, Issue 4
Autumn 2024
Pages 191-219

  • Receive Date 04 September 2023
  • Revise Date 20 March 2024
  • Accept Date 25 May 2024