The International Institute for Iranian Studies (Rasanah) has just issued the English version of its biannual Journal for Iranian Studies (JIS) no. 20 (October 2024). This issue consists of seven research articles that we can summarize as follows:
The first research article, titled “The Role of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in the Media Sphere: Propaganda, Strategy and Narrative Power,” is authored by Abdelkarim Rostami, a researcher specializing in Middle Eastern affairs at the École Pratique des Hautes Etudes (EPHE). In his study, Rostami analyzes how both conventional and modern media shape public consciousness and how various political systems exploit these media tools to impose their narratives while suppressing opposing viewpoints. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) represents a critical state apparatus that utilizes media in all its forms, leveraging it not only as a means of political and social interaction but also by restricting access to information through website blockages and influencing public opinion. Rostami further elucidates the strategies and tactics employed by the IRGC to achieve these objectives.
The second research article, titled “Iran and the Houthis’ Asymmetric Maritime Warfare Campaign in the Red Sea: A Study of the Sponsor-Proxy Model,” is authored by Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco, a researcher specializing in security affairs at the Gulf State Analytics (GSA). In this study, he examines the relationship between the Houthis and Iran through the lens of the sponsor-proxy model, using the Houthis’ attacks in the Red Sea as a case study. Additionally, he explores the strategic considerations and tactics employed by the Houthis in their assaults on international commercial vessels navigating these waters.
The third research article, titled “Iran’s Maritime Strategy and Perspectives Toward the Mediterranean Sea,” is authored by Dr. Khadiga Arafa Mohammed, head of the Community Outreach Pillar, Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC). In her study, Dr. Khadiga explores Iran’s strategy in the Mediterranean, which is driven by various factors that have prompted its resurgence in the region after centuries of absence and a primary focus on its “near abroad.” This shift is expected to have significant implications for regional dynamics and power balances. She identifies key elements of Iran’s maritime strategy, assessing its alignment with Tehran’s objectives, the nature of Iran’s role in the Mediterranean, and the connection of Iranian activities to the broader regional context. Finally, she discusses the impact of Iran’s activities in the Mediterranean on the international balance of power.
The fourth study, titled “The Future of Iran-Russia Relations Under Pezeshkian’s Presidency,” is authored by Dr. Hamdi Bashir, a researcher on regional security and counterterrorism. Dr. Bashir discusses Iran-Russia relations after the “reformist” candidate Pezeshkian won the July 2024 presidential election.
The fifth study, titled “Russo-Houthi Ties Amid the Geopolitical Dispute With the West,” is authored by Yousef Maree, PhD candidate of international relations and politics at St Petersburg University. In his study Maree discusses the support the Soviet Union used to provide to its allies the Palestinians, Lebanese, Syrians, and Yemenis as well as Russia’s perspective toward the Middle East in light of Israel’s presence and the key turning point that came during the 2007 Munich Security Conference.
The sixth study, titled “Prospects of China’s Diplomatic Mediation Between Saudi Arabia and Iran,” is authored by Dr. Mohamad Zreik, a researcher in Chinese affairs. This study explores China’s mediation in the conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia, examining its transition from the use of soft power to the adoption of a more geopolitical approach. It investigates the historical context of Iran-Saudi relations and the significance of the diplomatic agreement brokered by China. The study analyzes China’s mediation strategy, its effectiveness, and the implications for regional stability and global diplomatic dynamics. It also delves into the potential success or failure of China’s geopolitical shift and the costs associated with this new diplomatic stance.
Finally, the seventh research article, titled “The Potential Consequences of the US Military Withdrawal From Iraq,” is authored by Dr. Abdelraouf Mustafa al-Ghoneimi, a researcher at Rasanah. In his study, Dr. Ghoneimi examines the potential consequences of a possible withdrawal of US military forces from Iraq. He focuses on how this decision might affect the future of the Iraqi state, its relationships with neighboring countries, and the United States’ standing in the international community. This analysis is particularly important given the current climate, where non-state actors are increasing their influence in Iraq amid ongoing internal and external instability.
