Bridging the Scholarly Divide: Iran's Strategic Pivot to Asia and the Foreign Policy Imperative of Asian Studies in Academia

This study explores Iran's strategic pivot to Asia under the late President Ebrahim Raisi (2021-2024), emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced Asian studies within Iranian academia. Following severe economic sanctions and a reassessment of foreign policy, Iran has increasingly prioritized rela...

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Bibliographic Details
Subtitles:The Social Sciences in Iran
Main Author: Falarti, Maziar Mozaffari 1975- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Interlibrary Loan:Interlibrary Loan for the Fachinformationsdienste (Specialized Information Services in Germany)
Published: 2025
In: The Muslim world
Year: 2025, Volume: 115, Issue: 2, Pages: 155-178
Further subjects:B Foreign Policy
B Raisi
B Iran
B strategic pivot
B cultural diplomacy
B Look to the East
B Asian Studies
B academic engagement
B regional cooperation
Online Access: Presumably Free Access
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Summary:This study explores Iran's strategic pivot to Asia under the late President Ebrahim Raisi (2021-2024), emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced Asian studies within Iranian academia. Following severe economic sanctions and a reassessment of foreign policy, Iran has increasingly prioritized relations with Asian nations, leading to significant growth in trade, travel, and academic exchanges. However, substantial deficiencies in Asian studies remain, largely due to cultural biases, geographical misunderstandings, and institutional constraints. This article argues that strengthening expertise in regional languages and cultures is essential for informed policymaking and fostering mutual understanding. By integrating Asian studies into the academic curriculum, Iran can not only navigate its geo-political landscape more effectively but also cultivate critical thinkers equipped to engage with diverse perspectives. Ultimately, this initiative serves as a vital component of Iran's foreign policy, facilitating sustainable partnerships while enhancing its global diplomatic standing.
ISSN:1478-1913
Contains:Enthalten in: The Muslim world
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1111/muwo.70004