Strategic Studies Quarterly

Abstract Abstract: the main purpose of this article is to develop an Ekhvanist analysis of Qatar foreign policy toward 2011 Arab revolutions. The agency of Qatar, based on Ekhvanist political Islamic discourse, is a complex of pragmatism and Ekhvanism in foreign policy. So, author first tries to illustrate a general picture of Qatar foreign policy based on Ekhvanism in search of a new identity, and then analyses it’s indicators in Qatar pragmatism. At last , he explains status of Ekhvanist political Islamic discourse in Qatar foreign policy toward Arab revolutions.  

Abstract What is the role of intelligence organizations in foreign policy? And how is the relation of intelligence and foreign policy? Author in response to these questions numerates cognitive and executive roles of intelligence in foreign policy making and mutual relations between them. Author believes that type of foreign policy and requirements of foreign policy makers determine intelligence agenda and on the other hand, intelligence organizations by their cognitive products effect policy maker’s perception of issues and problems of foreign policy.

Abstract The paper aims at analyzing the elements of national authority, in the field of foreign policy, based on Imam Khomeini’s doctrine and thinking. Utilizing documentary and descriptive methods, this paper examines the main hypothesis based on Imam Khomeini’s thinking. In fact, the paper shows how Imam Khomeini, as a politician and jurisprudent has raised the elements and general principals of national strength in the field of foreign policy.  Based on the main elements of Shite social thinking, namely, “God Oriented” and “Task Oriented”, Imam Khomeini’s views in the field of foreign policy comprises the following components: Nafy –e- sabil (Denial of Rule of Infidels), Anti-oppression, Islamic Dignity and Religious Lordship, and Invitation to Muslim Unity.

Abstract

In addition to emphasizing the importance of the regime change inIraqand the new political-social environment in this country, this essay explains the internal elements and parameters affecting its foreign policy. The essential question here is about the internal sources affecting it. The answer is that newIraq's foreign policy like the previous kingdom and republic period is affected mostly by some constant internal parameters like: contradiction between identity and sovereignty or between government and nation, geopolitical difficulties, the reliance of economy on the oil and common Arabic identity and values. In spite of changes inIraq's legal structure, these parameters and elements have not changed a lot and it doesn’t even seem to change much in the future.

Abstract The Micro Approach at studying International Relations normally focuses on structure and behavior of the actors of international system; decision making process in the field of foreign policy is a part of this structure. Considering the published works with respect to the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, this paper discusses the structure as well as process of decision making in the country. Therefore, due to three relevant variables, including, stakeholders (agents), organization and process, the survey is conducted with in the framework of legal-organizational (official) and political-sociological (unofficial) approaches. Finally, the paper concludes with highlighting deficiency of the relevant texts and a few suggestions are raised to remove them.

Abstract Any thinker's approach toward the issue of structure – agent and their interaction is one of the key elements in leading his/her perception and analysis about the social environment. It is the case especially in International Relations and Foreign Policy. Generally three approaches namely, Structure, Agent, Foundation can be identified in IR. With respect to the Islamic Republic of Iran also two different approaches focus on either Agent and its main role in leading to shape the international system or Structure and necessity of compatibility with the international system. The paper argues that while in the beginning the dominant approach in foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran was dominated by Agent approach, it was replaced by Structure approach in the later phases. 

Abstract Human security describes conditions in which the grounds are provided for the removal of material and spiritual human needs simultaneously and constantly. This attitude was included in the agenda of institutions and individuals when traditional outlook on security failed to respond to the challenges in this area as insecurity increased at the national and international levels with the expansion of world developments. The discussions raised regarding human security (topic, issues, challenges, and the quality of evaluating and enhancing it), in spite of useful theoretical explanations, have heightened its conceptual ambiguities. Stressing on the practical aspect and placing the idea of human security at the center of foreign policy discussions, this article rethinks the concept of human security. While offering a comprehensive, consistent, and precise definition, it provides the possibility of measuring and reinforcing it. Writers, with coining and defining the concept of ‘generalized poverty,’ have defined human security as “the number of years of future life spent outside of a state of generalized poverty.” This definition can be included in the academic and research agenda for assessing and enforcing human security in the areas of risk assessment, prevention, preservation and compensation of those risks’ consequences, through using quantitative and statistical instruments. This article mainly aims to recognize the threats to human security and to strengthen human security versus those threats.

Abstract Constructivist approach is among the recent approaches in social studies and international relations and nowadays efforts are made in order to examine the major issues of international politics including foreign policies of the states by using this approach. On this basis, unlike rationalist theories such as neo-realism and neo-liberalism which are based on rational choice theory, constructivism holds that the interests of actors and states, which regulate their conduct in foreign policy, are changing and in the process of construction. Change in them hinges on the change in the norms influential in political culture and identities of these actors. On this ground, mental milieus and their transformations such as the way leaders understand the international system, the states’ identity parameters, norms of the international system and moral issues shape the continuities and changes in this area rather than increased military power (in realism) or economic strength (in liberalism) are conducive to the states’ foreign conduct in the realm of international politics. Within this framework, this article argues that certain behaviors of the Islamic Republic of Iran in foreign policy are not compatible with rationalist and materialistic notions of interests, hence it seeks to analyze the Islamic Republic of Iran’s foreign policy from the constructivist perspective.