Strategic Studies Quarterly

Abstract Given the cultural-civilizational advantages of Iran, the use of cultural diplomacy can play an important role in improving soft power and securing the national interests of this country. In practice, the results of cultural diplomacy so far have not been satisfactory compared to the huge potential of the country. Despite some important achievements, this diplomacy has not been able to play a strong role in strengthening Iran's "international acceptance" status. Accordingly, the question of the article is why the cultural diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran has not been able to have a significant impact on improving Iran's international status. In response to this question, the article addresses the problems and challenges of Iranian cultural diplomacy. Lack of a coherent strategy, neglect of the private sector, weakness of government agents, overcoming ideological views and the multiplicity of policy institutions are the most important factors involved in weakening the country's cultural diplomacy. This article, after reviewing and analyzing the issues, will reach some suggestions for the efficiency of cultural diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Abstract In international relations, those who impose sanctions have different motives for using this tool. A change in the US government's policy toward the Iran nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or the JCPOA, is a notable issue in this regard. The question asked by the present article is: Where was the theoretical point of departure for the difference in sanctions diplomacy under US President Donald Trump and his predecessor Barack Obama toward Iran despite its commitment to the terms of the agreement? The article's hypothesis is that while the Obama administration's sanctions policy was more based on a motivation to make Iran committed to conforming to international norms, the Trump administration's main objective is to advance US interests as far as possible regardless of international legal restrictions. From this perspective, the nuclear deal was considered effective by the Obama administration, while the Trump administration regards it as ineffective. The hypothesis is theoretically based on realism and liberalism theories about the function of sanctions in international relations and has been studied here using an analytical-explanatory model and reliable data.
 
 

Abstract By assuming competence for or authorizing the member states of the European Convention on Human Rights to take some actions, Doctrine of Margin of Appreciation provides them with the possibility to create a balance between requirements of their national interest while complying with their obligations according to the Convention. In fact, based on the Doctrine, the member states can interpret the provisions of the Convention in a way that they do not breach those provisions; however, they can secure their national interests.    

Abstract The new wave of terrorist actions, so called the modern terrorism, at the best one was appeared in September 11 2001. In respond to September 11 attack and confronting with it, U.S. was transformed the operational environment to the Middle East region that overlapping with the Islamic Republic of Iran's national security environment. So it is necessity to explore the modern terrorism and determining its threat on the IRI's national interests. What is distinguishing the modern terrorism that the components such as identity – based, the globosity, inciting and one dimensioned and its distinct manner is the assassin operations. If this new wave is threaten the IRI's national interests, it could be effectively affect on the national characteristics in the domestic dimensions and ideological approach of IRI in the regional environment.Here author is suggesting some recommendations for preventing and confronting with these threats such as covert action with induced current, embraced controlling and managing of mass media, substitute process management on crisis management, preventing the nuclear terrorism and choosing the open combat in the necessary.