Iran’s Cultural Diplomacy as a Key Strategy in Strategic Relations with East African Countries
Keywords:
Diplomatic relations, culture, economy, Iran, East AfricaAbstract
Iran–Africa relations have deep historical roots. Africa has consistently been one of the main priorities of Iran’s foreign policy. During the Cold War, Iran supported the process of decolonization across the African continent. Until 1979, Iran’s engagement with Africa was based on mutual economic, political, and strategic interests. After the Islamic Revolution, the nature of these relations underwent significant transformations. In recent years, Iran’s diplomatic and economic relations with East African countries have expanded, particularly in political, commercial, and developmental domains. Relying on principles such as non-interference in domestic affairs and the convergence of developing countries, Iran seeks to strengthen its position in this region and create counterweights to the influence of Western powers. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the diplomatic and economic relations between Iran and East African countries. To achieve this objective, a descriptive–analytical method was employed. Findings indicate that, from an economic perspective, Iran seeks to benefit from the natural resources and developmental needs of East African countries, while these countries, in turn, require Iranian products and services in areas such as oil, petrochemicals, engineering, and technology. However, challenges such as sanctions and competition with other economic powers like China and India persist. From a diplomatic standpoint, some African countries aim to restrict the Islamic Republic of Iran’s cultural and religious influence in the region; therefore, they establish relations with Iran’s rivals, such as Israel and Saudi Arabia. In response, Iran, through cultural and religious diplomacy, attempts to expand its influence in the region. Overall, Iran’s relations with this region possess considerable potential for development, yet they require strategic management of opportunities and challenges to achieve desirable outcomes.
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