Political Employment of Religion in the Islamic Republic of Iran (1979-2017)

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to examine how the Islamic Republic of Iran has utilized religion as a key element in its foreign policy to influence both regional countries and the international community. Religion serves as one of the most significant tools for Iran in formulating its expansionist strategies, particularly in the Arab region, where centers of Shiism are located in several of these countries.

Methodology: This study is grounded in the hypothesis that "Religion plays an active role in shaping Iranian foreign policies towards neighboring countries." The research utilized a descriptive analytical method to examine and analyze the relationship between Shi'ism and Iranian foreign policies. Additionally, a historical approach was employed to monitor this relationship, particularly during the designated study period.

Findings: The study concluded that Iran's use of religion in its foreign policies harms employment in the region. Iran seeks to export Shia Islam to neighboring countries and positions itself as a model of an Islamic regime through the concept of "Wilayat al-Faqih."

Conclusion: The study recommends conducting field and analytical studies to examine how the use of religion in politics impacts Iran’s relations with regional states, as well as regional security and stability, investigating Iran's objectives behind its efforts to export its religious doctrine to distant areas outside the region and attracting Arab Shiite forces and movements that have distanced themselves from Persian nationalism back to the Arab side.