A Critical Analysis of Iran's Security Policymaking in Central Asia(2009-2024)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Political Science, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

10.22124/wp.2026.32428.3617

Abstract

Central Asia constitutes one of the most strategically important regions in Iran’s surrounding environment, offering both significant opportunities and challenges for the country. Nevertheless, a combination of domestic and external factors has led Iranian policymakers to assign a lower strategic priority to this region compared to other areas, particularly West Asia. Adopting a problem-oriented approach, this study examines the key domestic and external factors that have challenged the security policymaking of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Central Asia and generated vulnerabilities for Iran’s national security. The findings reveal that both domestic and structural factors shape Iran’s security policy toward the region; however, domestic variables exert a more substantial influence than external and systemic determinants. This qualitative research employs a descriptive-analytical design and applies thematic analysis as its principal methodological framework. The study is informed by the theoretical perspectives of Neoclassical Realism and the Copenhagen School of Security Studies. Data were collected through documentary research and semi-structured interviews with relevant experts.

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