Discuss with a realistic approach “The Role of Religious Sectarianism in Iran’s Foreign Policy after the Arab Spring with a specific Focus on Syria”

Tez Türü: Yüksek Lisans

Tezin Yürütüldüğü Kurum: University of London-School of Oriental and African Studies, İngiltere

Tez Danışmanı: Dr. Nima Mina

Tezin Onay Tarihi: 2020

Tezin Dili: İngilizce

Desteklendiği Program: Diğer

Özet:

The aim of this study is to examine the foreign policy of Iran, the factors motivating Iran in adopting religious sectarianism, and the role of the Arab Spring in aggravating sectarian tendencies in the foreign policies of the country, specifically towards Syria. The data for this research has been gathered from qualitative and secondary sources and analysed qualitatively. From the overall discussion and analysis, it can be concluded that Iran practices rationality and a pragmatic approach in its foreign policy, and solely focuses on establishing itself as a leader of the Islamic region through realist approaches and tendencies. The deployment of sectarian methods and preferences has been one of the critical tools incorporated by Iran to fulfil its national interest in minimising the influence of the West and Sunni-led Saudi Arabia in the Middle East, and establishing itself as the dominant power in the region.