https://fp.ipisjournals.ir/ The Journal of Foreign Policy en daily 1 Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://fp.ipisjournals.ir/article_734126.html The UN Security Council, in theory, possesses extensive authority to address wars, acts of aggression, and grave violations of international law.However, the Council's performance has faced fundamental challenges. Using a descriptive-analytical method, this study examines the gap between the Council's theoretical mandate in confronting emerging threats and its actual performance. The main question is to identify the structural, legal, and political obstacles that reduce the Council's efficacy and legitimacy in contemporary crises. The research hypothesis focuses on three key obstacles: the veto-based decision-making structure, ambiguity in defining a threat to peace regarding emerging threats, and the incompatibility of the Council's traditional mechanisms with the technological nature of these threats. The findings indicate that the Council's effectiveness is severely influenced by the structure of the international system, the national interests of its permanent members, and the instrumental use of the veto power; factors that have led to inefficiency, lack of transparency, double standards, and weakening of the Responsibility to Protect. The twelve-day Iran-Israel war precisely confirmed this finding: due to the political considerations of its permanent members (direct participation of the United States and the cautious silence of Russia and China), the Council suffered complete paralysis and took no effective action to condemn or stop the war. The final ceasefire was also imposed not based on a Council resolution, but by the US following a military power balance. This study demonstrates the predominance of major powers' interests over collective security and a transition from classical international law to power-based diplomacy. https://fp.ipisjournals.ir/article_733552.html AbstractUkraine has always been an arena of competition and conflict between major world powers in the past two decades. The Russia-Ukraine war in 2022 is one of the most important international developments that is closely followed by other countries. The main purpose of this research is to examine Iran's foreign policy towards the 2022 Ukraine war. The main question is what was Iran's foreign policy in the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022? The research hypothesis emphasizes that Iran, by adopting a realistic and pragmatic policy, while opposing resorting to war as a solution to the crisis, has emphasized balancing and tactical convergence with Russia against Western pressures. The results of the research show that Iran's foreign policy, first in the form of neutrality and emphasis on international standards and then in the form of relative support for Russia, is a reflection of the balancing approach within the framework of the transitional global order, which leads to strengthening Iran's position in the Eastern axis and reducing dependence on the West. Among the factors influencing it were the move towards looking east, greater cooperation with Russia, opposition to NATO expansion, and attempts to use this war, especially in the field of energy sales. This research was conducted with a descriptive-analytical approach and a documentary (library) method. https://fp.ipisjournals.ir/article_733553.html Given the growing importance of energy in global political and economic developments, its role in the foreign policy of countries has become more prominent. Today, geopolitics of energy and geo-economics play a major role in shaping foreign policy. The main question of this article is: How does energy capacity shape Iran's foreign policy toward Central Asia, particularly Turkmenistan? Based on a theoretical framework grounded in geopolitics of energy and geo-economics and employing a descriptive-analytical method, the main hypothesis of the research is that, given the positions of Iran and Turkmenistan as energy producers and exporters, energy capacity serves as an instrumental function in Iran’s foreign policy. It can contribute to optimizing the energy-driven interests of both countries and reducing Turkmenistan’s geopolitical challenges and Iran’s geo-economic challenges. The findings of the study indicate that although Iran and Turkmenistan, as natural gas producers, may be considered competitors, cooperation based on gas transit and swap agreements can pave the way for expanding bilateral relations and advancing mutual interests. Additionally, routes such as the International North–South Transport Corridor and the connection of Chabahar Port to it will play a significant role in facilitating Turkmen gas exports and consolidating Iran’s position in the regional energy transit chain. However, the operationalization of these capacities faces structural challenges, such as unilateral sanctions and competition among transit routes. Overcoming these challenges requires active bilateral and multilateral diplomacy at the regional level. https://fp.ipisjournals.ir/article_733554.html With the expansion of the terrorist group ISIS's activities in West Asia, the Khorasan branch of this group in Afghanistan has exploited the illicit drug economy to create security, economic, and political threats for the region, particularly for Iran. This research, using a descriptive-analytical method and based on the theory of defensive realism, and drawing on credible academic and online sources, examines the strategies of Iran's foreign policy in confronting the narco-terrorism of ISIS-Khorasan. Accordingly, the research answers the following question: "What strategies has the Islamic Republic of Iran adopted to reduce the threats of narco-terrorism posed by ISIS-Khorasan?" The findings indicate that these threats include the expansion of terrorism, the black economy, and political instability. By adopting a strategy of threat balancing through bilateral cooperation with Kabul, multilateral convergence in Central Asia, and strengthening relations with regional organizations such as the ECO and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Iran has been able to significantly reduce terrorist activities. https://fp.ipisjournals.ir/article_733556.html In the intricate landscape of international crises, cultural diplomacy, as a key instrument of soft power, offers unique capacities for de-escalation, rebuilding trust, and enhancing intercultural communication. This research aims to operationally elucidate and empirically assess the role of cultural diplomacy in international crisis management within the digital sphere, focusing on the case study of sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The study first develops a hybrid conceptual model (based on soft power, cultural diplomacy, and digital diplomacy) and subsequently analyzes its core mechanisms (narrative construction and trust-building) within the selected case. Data were collected and analyzed using a mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) approach, with a specific focus on the Iranian sanctions case (as the focal case study), through a survey of 78 experts and 15 semi-structured interviews. Qualitative thematic analysis and quantitative assessment reveal that cultural diplomacy operates through narrative redefinition (with a mean impact score of 4.2 out of 5 in the survey), unofficial mediation, and perceptual institution-building, with digital tools acting as strategic enablers. However, challenges such as institutional limitations, technological inequalities, and cultural misperceptions significantly reduce overall efficacy. This study, by presenting a practical conceptual model and crisis-oriented operational indicators, assists policymakers in enhancing countries' soft power capacities in the face of crises and facilitating intercultural dialogue. https://fp.ipisjournals.ir/article_733557.html Sport is recognized as one of the most effective tools for public diplomacy and national branding. Sport diplomacy, as a branch of public diplomacy, refers to the use of sport to achieve foreign policy goals, people-to-people diplomacy, strengthen national identity and image, and enhance international relations. This article examines the impact of sport diplomacy on national branding and the national image of countries, analyzing and synthesizing existing studies in this field, which include a range of 183 articles from the Web of Science. The main research question is how sport diplomacy can serve as an effective tool in enhancing the national brand and image of countries. The findings show that sport diplomacy significantly contributes to the elevation of countries' global standing through increasing global recognition, strengthening national identity, attracting foreign investment, promoting the tourism industry, and improving international relations. The findings also address successful cases such as the impact of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, while also exploring challenges and barriers such as the high costs of hosting and political challenges. Ultimately, the results indicate that in today's world, where the importance of soft power has increased, sport diplomacy can be an effective tool in improving a country's image, international relations, and global standing. https://fp.ipisjournals.ir/article_734256.html Turkey's foreign policy, as it enters the 21st century, has developed a dynamic and multifaceted framework that necessitates new analytical approaches for comprehensive understanding. This study aims to elucidate this dynamism by analyzing Turkey's proactive engagement during the 2022 Ukraine conflict through the lenses of the global swing state concept and the theory of complex adaptive systems. The central hypothesis posits that Turkey's swing behavior constitutes a calculated response to geopolitical imperatives, systemic pressures, and internal dynamics, all aimed at achieving strategic independence. Employing a qualitative methodology with a descriptive-analytical framework, this research involved data collection through extensive library studies. Turkey's actions were scrutinized using five key indicators of global swing states: geopolitics, economy, military, diplomacy, and smart power, as well as through the principles of systems theory. The findings indicate that Turkey assumed the role of a swing state during the Ukraine crisis by implementing a dual strategy that involved military support for Ukraine while simultaneously sustaining economic relations with Russia. By leveraging geopolitical tools (such as the Montreux Convention), economic initiatives (including energy corridors), and diplomatic efforts (notably the mediation of the grain agreement), Turkey successfully maintained its influence over both belligerent parties. This swing activism has transformed Turkey's position from that of a subordinate ally to a pivotal regulator within the international order. While this approach has facilitated the achievement of strategic independence, it has also introduced structural risks, including a credibility vacuum and the perception of Turkey as an unreliable ally. https://fp.ipisjournals.ir/article_734334.html With its strategic geopolitical location, vital corridors, and significant share of energy reserves, West Asia plays a decisive role in the power structure, energy equations, and international security architecture. For South Korea, which obtains most of its energy needs from this region, West Asia is of strategic and irreplaceable importance. Although Seoul’s previous interactions with this region were mainly focused on energy-based cooperation, since the 2000s it has gradually included areas such as new technologies, infrastructure development, security-military cooperation, and cultural diplomacy. The main question of the research is how has South Korea’s foreign policy in West Asia changed between 2000 and 2024? This research, using a descriptive-analytical method and using the theoretical framework of institutional neoliberalism, examines the institutional, economic, and structural mechanisms of this transformation. The results show that increasing economic and energy interdependence, the development of institutional arrangements in the fields of energy, technology, and infrastructure, the strengthening of cooperation rules, and the growing role of large Korean companies in multi-level cooperation networks have been the most important factors in the transition of Seoul's foreign policy from an economy-oriented model to a multidimensional and institution-based interaction model. As a result of this transformation, South Korea's relations with West Asia have enjoyed greater institutional coherence, and the position of this region in Seoul's foreign policy macro strategy has been enhanced. https://fp.ipisjournals.ir/article_735077.html In recent decades, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative and influential technologies in the realm of modern warfare. The development of decision-support systems, big data analytics, and precision targeting tools has given rise to a new form of armed conflict in which advanced technologies play a central role in shaping military strategies. Among contemporary examples, the Gaza War stands out as a large-scale testing ground for Israel’s extensive use of AI in military operations. Adopting an analytical and critical approach, this study examines the application of intelligent systems such as Lavender and The Gospel in Israeli military operations. The findings indicate that while the use of AI has significantly increased the speed and efficiency of target identification and elimination, it has simultaneously generated profound challenges in the domains of human rights, ethical accountability, and the political legitimacy of military actions. Field data and reports from international organizations reveal that the error rate of these systems heightens the risk of civilian harm, thereby underscoring the urgent need to reassess existing international legal frameworks. Ultimately, this article explores the strategic and geopolitical implications of AI utilization in the Gaza conflict and emphasizes the necessity of developing transparent international protocols for oversight, control, and accountability in the deployment of such technologies in future armed conflicts. https://fp.ipisjournals.ir/article_735078.html In the age of globalization, we are witnessing a transformation in power patterns in the international arena; such that soft power has replaced hard power. This shift has increased the importance of public diplomacy in international relations. Meanwhile, the emergence of new technologies like Artificial Intelligence has had a significant impact on shaping national perceptions and the international image of countries. Accordingly, the research question is: What role can AI play in improving or changing the national image of countries within the framework of public diplomacy? The aim of this research is to investigate the extent and manner of AI's influence on the process of shaping countries' national image in global public opinion. The results of the qualitative data analysis indicate that in areas such as public sentiment analysis, production of personalized messages, and prediction of international feedback, AI can assist policymakers in optimizing public diplomacy strategies and significantly increase the effectiveness of national image-building. However, challenges such as the potential for information manipulation, erosion of public trust, and ethical considerations are among the risks that must be seriously considered. Furthermore, AI's ability for real-time monitoring of data from social networks, digital media, and news sources enables the rapid correction of incorrect or distorted narratives about the national image and brand, paving the way for enhancing their status and credibility in global public opinion. https://fp.ipisjournals.ir/article_735079.html This study aims to examine and analyze the role of AI in the foreign policy and national security of the United States during the period 2021–2025. The main research question is: What role has AI played in shaping U.S. foreign policy and national security, and how can this role be explained within the framework of great power competition, particularly with China? The theoretical framework of the study is based on neorealism in international relations, which emphasizes the anarchic structure of the international system, the competition for survival, and the pursuit of relative power by states. The research adopts a qualitative, descriptive–analytical approach, employing qualitative content analysis and trend analysis. Data were collected through the review of official U.S. government documents, think tank reports, and scholarly sources. Findings indicate that AI has become an integral part of U.S. foreign policy, utilized in areas such as cybersecurity, international narrative-building, digital diplomacy, and intelligent military operations. By enhancing data processing and analysis capabilities, AI has improved the accuracy and speed of strategic decision-making and enabled the creation of targeted diplomatic messages tailored to the cultural and social contexts of different audiences. Furthermore, the establishment of specialized institutions and the collaboration among government agencies, technology companies, and think tanks have facilitated the systematic integration of AI into U.S. foreign policy-making processes. the results suggest that AI is not merely a technological tool, but a core pillar of U.S. national power and a decisive factor in shaping the country’s international behavior in the current decade. https://fp.ipisjournals.ir/article_735080.html Today, the emergence of artificial intelligence as a key and transformative technology has brought about the most fundamental changes in the international order. Rapid advances in the field of artificial intelligence not only affect economic and social aspects, but also have deeper effects in the political and military fields and are transforming the process of designing and interpreting international relations. The present study seeks to explain the concept of international order in light of the development of artificial intelligence and understand how it affects international relations, new challenges and opportunities ahead for governments and international institutions. The main goal of this study, which is expressed in a descriptive-analytical method, is to analyze the effects of artificial intelligence on international order and examine its impact on changes in global power, national security and international cooperation. The relationship between artificial intelligence and international order in the context of current developments, especially considering changes in the balance of power and the emergence of new threats, is among the issues considered in this study. The research findings suggest that the expansion of AI is clearly contributing to serious changes in the global order. Countries and international institutions that effectively understand and integrate AI technology with international phenomena can exploit new opportunities for innovation and cooperation, while a lack of attention to ethical, human rights, and legal issues can lead to serious inequalities and international tensions. https://fp.ipisjournals.ir/article_735082.html The emergence of artificial intelligence has posed a fundamental challenge to the conceptual, normative, and theoretical foundations of International Relations. This phenomenon has not only transformed policy-making tools but also redefined key concepts such as agency, social reality, knowledge, and international order. This study, with a focus on metatheory, examines the relationship between artificial intelligence and the ontological, epistemological, and methodological dimensions of International Relations theory. The main research question addresses the impact of artificial intelligence on the threefold metatheoretical dimensions (ontology, epistemology, and methodology) of International Relations. The study employs the English School, as a middle-ground and pluralist theory, to explain these transformations. By emphasizing new concepts such as hybrid entities and actors, cybernetic feedback loops at the ontological level, symbiotic epistemology, and integrated methodology, the effects of artificial intelligence on International Relations theory are analyzed. The role of diplomacy as a central institution of international order is examined in light of technological transformations, and the concept of "synergistic diplomacy"—based on deep human–machine cooperation and interaction—is introduced. The article concludes by emphasizing the necessity of metatheoretical rethinking within existing theories and the gradual evolution of the English School to address the emerging digital order. The research method of this article is descriptive–analytical, and data has been collected through document and library study. Using conceptual analysis, the study seeks to provide a theoretical framework for understanding the metatheoretical transformations brought about by artificial intelligence. https://fp.ipisjournals.ir/article_735085.html Objective: The primary purpose of this research is to analyze the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in strengthening international scientific and technological collaborations. This study also seeks to identify key capabilities, examine the challenges ahead, and propose the necessary policy frameworks for leveraging this technology in the realm of science diplomacy. Method: This applied research was conducted using a descriptive-analytical approach. Data were collected via a validated, structured questionnaire from a sample of 52 experts in the fields of artificial intelligence and science diplomacy. The data were analyzed using one-sample t-tests and the Friedman test. Findings: The results indicate that the respondents' perspectives across the four main areas of the study (foreign policy, security and ethical challenges, economic opportunities, and international collaborations) are significantly positive (p<0.001). "International collaborations" achieved the highest level of agreement with a mean of 4.27. However, the Friedman test revealed a different order of priorities: "the impact of AI on foreign policy" was identified as the most critical factor (mean rank 1.74), while "international collaborations" was ranked as the least important (mean rank 3.06) by the experts. Conclusion: This research confirms that experts perceive AI as a highly influential factor in science diplomacy. Despite AI's high potential for strengthening mutual collaborations, the primary focus of the experts is on the strategic implications of this technology for national foreign policy. These findings underscore the necessity of integrating the strategic dimensions of AI into foreign relations, developing ethical and security frameworks, and investing in the resulting economic opportunities. https://fp.ipisjournals.ir/article_735087.html This study aims to analyze the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on commercial diplomacy and the restructuring of global supply chains. It seeks to answer the central question of how emerging technologies-particularly AI-are reshaping the trade policy frameworks of states. Drawing on two theoretical approaches-Neofunctionalism and the International Political Economy of Technological Innovation-this article argues that AI is not merely a technological tool but a structural mechanism for global regulation, soft power projection, and geopolitical competition in international trade.Core concepts such as commercial diplomacy, global supply chains, and technological governance are defined and examined in relation to AI. The paper investigates the influence of AI across four dimensions of commercial diplomacy: small and medium-sized enterprises, multinational corporations, trade-supporting institutions, and state-led trade diplomacy. Supported by comparative studies and empirical evidence, all four hypotheses of the study are confirmed, demonstrating the transformative role of AI in both trade policymaking and diplomatic structures.In the policy analysis section, the article provides a set of tailored recommendations for Iran, including the development of a national AI-driven trade diplomacy strategy, empowering non-state trade institutions through AI tools, participating in global AI standard-setting processes, promoting multi-level digital diplomacy, and strengthening interdisciplinary foresight research. Ultimately, the article offers a comprehensive framework for analyzing the intersection of technology and diplomacy in the digital age.