The Role of Islamic Republic of Iran in the Geopolitical Funnel of West Asia
Subject Areas :Alireza Golshani 1 , Hamid Reza Sohrabi 2
1 - Assistant Professor of Islamic Azad University, Shahreza Branch
2 - PhD in political science
Keywords: Regional security, West Asia, Strategic funnel, Geopolitical alliance,
Abstract :
Abstract The four countries of Iran, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon in the west Asia have common security concerns a part of which is about resistance against any regional common threat. Since the Islamic Republic of Iran regards the west Asia as its own security territory, it can not be indifferent to political, religious, ethnic and racial challenges and developments in this region. Therefore, the geopolitical alliance of Iran, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon in the funnel-like strategic region of west Asia would result in a powerful alliance. Based on 'regional security' theory and 'geopolitical funnel' model, using a descriptive-analytical methodology, the present study aims at investigating the role of Iran in political and security developments of the west Asia. The results indicate that the Zionist regime of Israel, Shiite-phobia by Arab states and terrorist groups in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon as well as the challenges caused by the USA are among the most important common security concerns of the member states in this region. It seems building a geopolitical alliance is the most reliable solution to these threats. In addition, Iran's power components particularly its superior geopolitical and geostrategic position in the region, its huge population, etc. would contribute to Iran's pivotal and prominent role in this region.
