چکیده:
One of the most important tools utilized by states to maximize their impact in foreign affairs is public diplomacy and to this extent, public diplomacy is considered a source of soft power. The robust use of public diplomacy can enhance and reinforce the soft power of countries. Central Asia is among the regions that have an ever increasing relevance to regional and international affairs in the aftermath of the collapse of the Soviet Union, and is currently considered a critical subsystem for our country. The foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran towards this region is, on one hand, built on the foundation of converging factors in political, economic, and cultural arenas and looking towards opportunities for influence and cooperation. On the other hand, considering the divergent components, it also faces challenges and threats, the sum of which continues to effect the orientation of Iranian foreign policy towards the region. This article will study Iranian public diplomacy in this region and examine the opportunities and challenges, as well as, provide and proper model for a successful public diplomacy in the region of Central Asia, while taking into account the Islamic Republic of Iran’s tools and potential.
خلاصه ماشینی:
Considering that Central Asia has a special place in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran and also considering the vast presence of regional and trans-regional competitors, this research, using analytic methods, will seek to provide an answer to the question of what capacity does Iran have to enhance its soft power in this region, and what strategies must be pursued in order to enhance and realize these opportunities?
Some examples of the tools being utilized in the referred to plans are as follows: management of creations and dissemination of information with specific objectives; psychological operations and political propaganda; public diplomacy with non-governmental actors or second layer diplomacy and the integration of them, as well as, media diplomacy (International Study and Research Institute Abrar Moaser Tehran, 2004, 52-55); white coup or velvet revolution created by organizing protest rallies, public strikes, the production of material, books, bulletins, and pamphlets with a specific orientation; the providing of humanitarian assistance with specific political goals; political, promotional, financial, and educational support of the domestic opposition of countries; symbolic moves such specific statements and declarations, Representation in special cases and iconic award; organized lobby composed of the professional elite and dissident intellectuals of the target country; mainstreaming, with emphasis on support for the political, scientific, artistic, and cultural elite outside of the center of power of the target country; developing a propaganda apparatus such as creating and managing audio and video media outlets that can be reached easily, quickly, and free of charge, initiating a media war; gaining influence through international regimes such as human rights, democracy, and attractive concepts of universality.