خلاصة:
This article explores the impact of Iran's foreign policy on economic development since the end of the Iran-Iraq war. The main question discussed in this article is how foreign policy may affect economic development in the Islamic Republic of Iran. As a case study the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic during Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani’s presidency will be examined. To answer the main question, conceptual framework of development-orientated foreign policy, along with two examples, i.e. China and Nigeria, will be introduced. The hypothesis of the article is that with a more realistic and pragmatist foreign policy, more opportunities for success in economic development are created. The article argues that in the era of globalization, economic development of a country hinges on foreign relations with major economies and cooperation with international institutions and organizations, especially economic entities. Accordingly, if a country adopts a developmental approach in foreign policy, it should accept the existing international order, along with its components.
ملخص الجهاز:
The main question discussed in this article is how foreign policy may affect economic development in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Key words: developmental foreign policy, Iran, economic development, Hashemi Rafsanjani Assistant Professor, University of Guilan (niakoee@gmail.
As heads of the state, both leaders have set principles for Iran's foreign policy as follows: Exporting revolution; rejection of domination; preserving the integrity of Islam and Muslim; rejection of interference in the other countries affairs; encouraging the oppressed and discouraging the oppression; the political slogan of No East , No West; supporting the liberation movement; unity of Islamic Community (Ummah) (Salehzadeh, 2013: 19); having a preference for nations rather than states; anti- Israel and pro-Palestine policy; anti – U.
However, in Iran, different presidents and a variety of factions strongly disagree in foreign policy approaches Some experts in the Islamic Republic's political system believe that Iranian political system is clearly divided between conservatives and reformist as two distinct political groups (Salehzadeh, 2013: 4).
Sadegh Zibakalam, professor of political science at Tehran University, believes that President Hashemi Rafsanjani had moderate views on foreign policy issues and made efforts to relieve tensions between Iran and other countries (Iranian Diplomacy 2013).
Islamic Republic of Iran, during Hashemi Rafsanjani’s presidency, decided to restore its political relations with the European Union and develop its economic relations with influential regional institutions.
During Hashemi Rafsanjani’s presidency, Islamic republic of Iran pursued pragmatic and realistic foreign policy.
The Foreign Policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran during Hashemi Rafsanjani and Mohammad Khatami Presidencies.