This paper focuses on Iran＇s foreign policy towards the Caucasus and Central Asia regions in the post-Soviet Union era, using a theoretical approach which stresses the importance of historical and geographical contex...This paper focuses on Iran＇s foreign policy towards the Caucasus and Central Asia regions in the post-Soviet Union era, using a theoretical approach which stresses the importance of historical and geographical contextualization for the analysis of foreign policy. The article＇s main argument is that Iranian foreign policy towards these regions in the last 25 years, although the result of a complex and multi-layered decision-making process, has been led by two unifying long-term objectives： regional stability and national security. In order to demonstrate this argument, the article undertakes a factual analysis focusing on the role Iran played during the main regional conflicts that have occurred since the Soviet Union＇s collapse in Central Asia and the Caucasus, as well as the diplomatic re-engagement Iran has been building with the countries of these two regions after the end of the Iran nuclear deal. Standard interpretations of Iran＇s foreign policy define it as a player with hegemonic ambitions whose foreign policy is mainly led by ideological factors. This paper assumes that foreign policy＇s analysis needs time and space contextualization. Once historical and geographical factors are taken into account----of which the most important are Iran＇s proximity to Russia and Afghanistan along with its international diplomatic isolation due to nuclear sanctions--then Iran＇s foreign policy in Central Asia and the Caucasus appears to be that of a regional power interested in maintaining the existing status quo. Stability and territorial integrity in these two regions in fact are seen by Teheran as necessary conditions for Iran＇s own territorial integrity and internal security. The paper is based on both secondary and primary sources, most of them official statements, all in the public domain.展开更多
The ⅩⅩⅢ Olympic Winter Games in South Korea lit a flame for the dramatic development of inter-Korean relations. Rapid changes in the geopolitical situation on the peninsula since the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang ...The ⅩⅩⅢ Olympic Winter Games in South Korea lit a flame for the dramatic development of inter-Korean relations. Rapid changes in the geopolitical situation on the peninsula since the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang have included high-level DPRK talks with South Korea, China and the United States. President Xi Jinping＇ s meetings with DPRK leader Kim Jong-un in Beijing and Dalian, and the upcoming Trump-Kim summit on June 12 are all about timing. A new diplomacy on DPRK＇ s part has unfolded out of the extemal pressure the DPRK experienced from the US, China and the international community but also out of the difficulties the DPRK faces in advancing its nuclear options. Unless the DPRK makes substantial concessions, the US will not alter policy. Real success means historic change, not only a reunion of families and an official end to the Korean War, but also a potential shift in the Asian power structure. There are diverse possibilities and much at stake. The fundamental way forward is restarting Six Party Talks and regional mechanism.展开更多
India’s Horn of Africa(HoA)initiatives emerge from its evolving Africa policy,deeply rooted in historical ties,economic ventures,and global aspirations.In recent years,India has significantly inten-sified its engagem...India’s Horn of Africa(HoA)initiatives emerge from its evolving Africa policy,deeply rooted in historical ties,economic ventures,and global aspirations.In recent years,India has significantly inten-sified its engagements with African nations,placing a strong emphasis on cultivating commercial relationships,making invest-ments,and fostering development cooperation.At the heart of India’s Africa strategy lies the principle of‘South-South cooperation’(SSc),which seeks to unite developing nations in the Global South for mutual benefit and shared prosperity.India has diligently expanded its economic links with Africa,with a specific focus on trade and investment.Currently,India stands among Africa’s top investors,actively participating in sectors like infrastructure,energy,and manufacturing.Beyond economic engagement,India has emerged as a proactive partner in African development,providing support across various domains,including agriculture,education,health,and technology transfer.Moreover,India extends its hand in humanitarian and disaster relief efforts during crises.Thus,India’s HoA strategy is characterised by its multifaceted nature,leveraging historical connections with Africa and strategic influence across the Indian Ocean and the West Asia/Persian Gulf region.This is exam-ined within the context of evolving challenges in the Horn of Africa,with particular attention to the case of Djibouti.展开更多
文摘This paper focuses on Iran＇s foreign policy towards the Caucasus and Central Asia regions in the post-Soviet Union era, using a theoretical approach which stresses the importance of historical and geographical contextualization for the analysis of foreign policy. The article＇s main argument is that Iranian foreign policy towards these regions in the last 25 years, although the result of a complex and multi-layered decision-making process, has been led by two unifying long-term objectives： regional stability and national security. In order to demonstrate this argument, the article undertakes a factual analysis focusing on the role Iran played during the main regional conflicts that have occurred since the Soviet Union＇s collapse in Central Asia and the Caucasus, as well as the diplomatic re-engagement Iran has been building with the countries of these two regions after the end of the Iran nuclear deal. Standard interpretations of Iran＇s foreign policy define it as a player with hegemonic ambitions whose foreign policy is mainly led by ideological factors. This paper assumes that foreign policy＇s analysis needs time and space contextualization. Once historical and geographical factors are taken into account----of which the most important are Iran＇s proximity to Russia and Afghanistan along with its international diplomatic isolation due to nuclear sanctions--then Iran＇s foreign policy in Central Asia and the Caucasus appears to be that of a regional power interested in maintaining the existing status quo. Stability and territorial integrity in these two regions in fact are seen by Teheran as necessary conditions for Iran＇s own territorial integrity and internal security. The paper is based on both secondary and primary sources, most of them official statements, all in the public domain.
文摘The ⅩⅩⅢ Olympic Winter Games in South Korea lit a flame for the dramatic development of inter-Korean relations. Rapid changes in the geopolitical situation on the peninsula since the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang have included high-level DPRK talks with South Korea, China and the United States. President Xi Jinping＇ s meetings with DPRK leader Kim Jong-un in Beijing and Dalian, and the upcoming Trump-Kim summit on June 12 are all about timing. A new diplomacy on DPRK＇ s part has unfolded out of the extemal pressure the DPRK experienced from the US, China and the international community but also out of the difficulties the DPRK faces in advancing its nuclear options. Unless the DPRK makes substantial concessions, the US will not alter policy. Real success means historic change, not only a reunion of families and an official end to the Korean War, but also a potential shift in the Asian power structure. There are diverse possibilities and much at stake. The fundamental way forward is restarting Six Party Talks and regional mechanism.
文摘India’s Horn of Africa(HoA)initiatives emerge from its evolving Africa policy,deeply rooted in historical ties,economic ventures,and global aspirations.In recent years,India has significantly inten-sified its engagements with African nations,placing a strong emphasis on cultivating commercial relationships,making invest-ments,and fostering development cooperation.At the heart of India’s Africa strategy lies the principle of‘South-South cooperation’(SSc),which seeks to unite developing nations in the Global South for mutual benefit and shared prosperity.India has diligently expanded its economic links with Africa,with a specific focus on trade and investment.Currently,India stands among Africa’s top investors,actively participating in sectors like infrastructure,energy,and manufacturing.Beyond economic engagement,India has emerged as a proactive partner in African development,providing support across various domains,including agriculture,education,health,and technology transfer.Moreover,India extends its hand in humanitarian and disaster relief efforts during crises.Thus,India’s HoA strategy is characterised by its multifaceted nature,leveraging historical connections with Africa and strategic influence across the Indian Ocean and the West Asia/Persian Gulf region.This is exam-ined within the context of evolving challenges in the Horn of Africa,with particular attention to the case of Djibouti.
