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The concept of “Offshore Balancing” has gained traction in American foreign policy circles as a strategic pivot, ostensibly leaning on lessons from the Cold War era and prioritizing cost-effectiveness. This approach emphasizes the reinforcement of local legitimacy and seeks to minimize direct U.S. military involvement abroad by encouraging regional powers to take on the mantle…

The debate over Western foreign policy, especially in the Middle East, Central Asia, and regions like Israel and Gaza, frequently churns up a spectrum of opinions, some of them sharply polarized. Critics often point to the “mushrooming” of extremist groups and persistent instability as undeniable proof that Western strategies have not only failed but have…

The historical interplay of Western influence in Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan has long been marked by a complexity of motives and outcomes, particularly during periods of intense colonization efforts by British and Russian interests. As Western powers navigated the geopolitical complexities of these regions, their actions often reflected a broader strategic game, one heavily influenced…

The latter part of the 20th century was marked by several significant geopolitical events that dramatically reshaped nations and influenced global politics. Many of these events stemmed from expansionist policies adopted by powerful countries, keen on extending their influence. Two such episodes, driven by Soviet ambitions, had profound effects on the Middle East and Central…

The rapid advancements in technology and the rise of generations who have grown up in a relatively stable financial and political environment incomparable to the volatility of the previous two centuries are reshaping societal norms and values. These young adults, without the direct memory of past hardships, are increasingly leaning towards liberalism and the tenets…

The intersection of international politics and religious manipulation in the Middle East, particularly in Iran, provides a compelling study of how foreign interventions can reshape regional dynamics, often with long-lasting and unintended consequences. Two distinct periods where this kind of manipulation was evident involve British interventions during the reigns of the Safavid and Qajar dynasties….

History is often lauded for its objectivity, serving as an unflinching record of past events, and while it doesn’t possess the ability to conceal, it often reveals the depths of human error alongside triumph. A consistent theme across various historical epochs—be it in warfare, social movements, or even the realms of science and art—is the…

American diplomacy has long been the front line of global policy enforcement and negotiation, particularly dealing with regimes whose actions counter international norms and laws. However, recent trends suggest that American diplomatic efforts, particularly with the Islamic Republic, are veering towards a path of minimal leverage and apparent appeasement. This approach has significant repercussions for…

Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979, the Islamic Government has pursued a foreign policy marked by two primary goals: the exportation of the Islamic Revolution and the creation of a pan-Islamic world, alongside the goal of annihilating Israel. This aggressive stance not only shapes the Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape but…

The creation of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979 marked a pivotal turn in the country’s history, widely anticipated to usher in an era where human rights and freedoms would flourish. However, the reality has proven to be starkly different from those initial hopes. In place of freedom and rights, a stringent interpretation of…