Iran's Northern Exposure: Foreign Policy Challenges in Eurasia

Abstract

is a premier research institute devoted to the academic study of regional and international issues through dialogue and exchange of ideas, research and scholarship, and engagement with national and international scholars, opinion makers, practitioners, and activists. Guided by the principles of academic excellence, forward vision, and community engagement, the Center's mission revolves around five principal goals: • To provide a forum for scholarship and research on international and regional affairs • To encourage in-depth examination and exchange of ideas • To foster thoughtful dialogue among students, scholars, and practitioners of international affairs • To facilitate the free flow of ideas and knowledge through publishing the products of its research, sponsoring conferences and seminars, and holding workshops designed to explore the complexities of the twenty-first century • To engage in outreach activities with a wide range of local, regional, and international partners. This publication series is made possible by the generous support of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.

Geopolitical interest of Iran in Central Asia

“…The accumulation of crisis potential in connection with the Ukrainian events, to increasingly strengthen the role and build up the Russian influence on the integration processes of Central Asia, increase the foreign policy steps of the Russian Federation in this direction, requires the most complete and coherent understanding of the system of international relations in the Central Asian region. (Dorraj, 2013) In this regard, the analysis of the Central Asian direction of Iran's foreign policy and its historical experience in establishing ties with the Muslim countries of Central Asia is of particular importance.…”

Ahmadinejad, Iran, and Foreign Policy Dysfunction in Tajikistan

“…A key aspect of these efforts was improving Iran's bilateral ties with the Central Asian republics, while also solidifying Iran's already extensive cooperation with India, China, and Russia. Iranian policy planners believed that developing positive relations with its Eastern neighbors could allow their country to circumvent growing American economic and political pressure, provide significant economic benefits, and could also eventually lead to the creation of a countervailing bloc of states, which would undermine and bring to an end American unipolarity (Dorraj & Entessar, ) . Although these ideas were not new and preceded Ahmadinejad's presidency, it can be argued that throughout his two terms in office, Ahmadinejad sought to re‐center Iran's foreign policy from focusing much of its attention toward the West, to engaging much more actively with the East (Dorraj & Entessar, ).…”

“…Iranian policy planners believed that developing positive relations with its Eastern neighbors could allow their country to circumvent growing American economic and political pressure, provide significant economic benefits, and could also eventually lead to the creation of a countervailing bloc of states, which would undermine and bring to an end American unipolarity (Dorraj & Entessar, ) . Although these ideas were not new and preceded Ahmadinejad's presidency, it can be argued that throughout his two terms in office, Ahmadinejad sought to re‐center Iran's foreign policy from focusing much of its attention toward the West, to engaging much more actively with the East (Dorraj & Entessar, ). Ahmadinejad's prominent and frequent visits to the Central Asian republics and his consistent efforts to gain full member status within regional institutions such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization attest to the increased importance placed on the region during his presidency (Peyrouse & Ibraimov, ).…”