IRAN'S PUBLIC DIPLOMACY AND RELIGIOUS SOFT POWER IN AFRICA


Alibabalu S. S., Sarkhanov T.

POLITICS AND RELIGION JOURNAL, vol.17, no.2, pp.411-433, 2023 (ESCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 17 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.54561/prj1702411a
  • Journal Name: POLITICS AND RELIGION JOURNAL
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, ATLA Religion Database, Central & Eastern European Academic Source (CEEAS), Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Page Numbers: pp.411-433
  • Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to identify the ways that Iran has used to become an influential power in Africa. By utilizing the "Export of the Islamic Revolution" and the ideology of "Resistance against Global Arrogance", Iran has been able to strengthen its soft power by combining classic and modern methods. Consequently, some communities in Africa are not only Iran's allies but also part of Iran's identity. Therefore, Iran has made a vast community of adherents in Nigeria and supported them in Ghana and Tanzania. In this regard, Iran is endeavoring to consolidate its power in geopolitical competition with the Western as well as regional powers such as Saudi Arabia. It goes without saying, economic trouble and international sanctions have caused Iran to face some obstacles in its policy in Africa in recent years. Employing an analytical approach, the authors look at the diplomatic, media and economic strategies that paved Iran's way to being an appealing actor for some societies, especially in Africa. Hence, this research helps to understand Iran's soft power in Africa, as well as assess Iran's foreign policy in general.