The Role of Shi'ism and Iranism in Shaping Iran's Foreign Policy

Abstract

This paper investigates the influence of religion, particularly Shi'ism, and national identity, specifically Iranism, on Iran's foreign policy, contributing to the academic discourse on the intersection of ideology and strategic realism in international relations. The research aims to critically examine how these elements shape Iran’s international actions and strategic decisions, focusing on three objectives: analysing the role of Shi'ism, exploring the influence of Iranism, and evaluating the interaction between religious ideology and strategic realism in shaping Iran’s foreign policy. The study employs a qualitative systematic research review methodology, grounded in interpretivism and abductive reasoning, using secondary data from peer-reviewed journals, policy analyses, and historical documents. The literature review combines constructivist and realist perspectives to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ideological and pragmatic factors driving Iran's foreign policy.

Findings reveal that Shi'ism and Iranism significantly influence Iran’s international behaviour, with Shi'ism guiding its support for marginalised Shi'a communities and resistance movements, while Iranism strengthens its cultural and economic ties in Central Asia. The interaction between religious ideology and strategic realism is witnessed, as Iran balances ideological commitments with pragmatic considerations to enhance national power and regional influence. The study concludes that Iran’s foreign policy is a complex mix of ideological and strategic elements, with implications for regional stability and international relations.