Prof. Abdullah Kiran
Professor of Political Science and International Relations within the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at MuşAlparslan University in Muş, Türkiye
Abstract
Iran’s neo-Persian policy emphasizes the country’s traditional Persian identity and aspires to restore Iran as both a regional and international power. This strategy seeks to expand Iran’s sphere of influence beyond its borders by invoking the historical legacy of the Persian Empire. Through a combination of diplomatic, military and economic tools, Iran pursues the consolidation of its regional power and its projection as a global actor in international politics. Neo-Persian policy balances Shiism — the ideological foundation of the Iranian republic — with the historical continuity of Persian identity. While Shiism serves as a central instrument of this project, Iran also leverages the Palestinian cause and anti-imperialist discourse to broaden its appeal to Sunni states, thereby mobilizing support among diverse Islamic movements. This paper analyzes neo-Persian policy as a hybrid strategy of identity and power projection and assesses its implications for regional and global geopolitics…
