The Defensive Strategy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Response to Geopolitical Developments in the South Caucasus

Document Type : research Artichel

Authors

1 Senior Expert in Defense Affairs and West Asia Studies

2 Associate Professor, Head of Defense Research Institute, Supreme National Defense University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor

4 Associate Professor, Supreme National Defense University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

This study aims to present a defensive model for the Islamic Republic of Iran in response to the geopolitical developments in the South Caucasus region. The research is applied-developmental in nature, employing a descriptive-analytical, case-based, contextual, and correlational approach, with extensive reliance on documents and expert opinions. In analyzing expert interviews, a grounded theory methodology was utilized. Initially, the researcher, using credible domestic and international sources, described the geopolitical developments in the region and the defense posture of Iran. Subsequently, consultations with experts were conducted to validate the library-based findings and achieve the research objectives. A mixed-method approach was employed, integrating both quantitative and qualitative perspectives to enrich the study. The expert population comprised 29 individuals, including academic researchers and professionals from the Armed Forces and the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs, all of whom were interviewed or participated in expert panels. Additionally, 30 scholars and researchers with at least one relevant publication on the South Caucasus were surveyed through a census method to complete questionnaires. The findings, alongside proposed organizational and armament models, indicate that Iran should avoid leveraging ethnic groups to achieve its objectives. Instead, it should foster trust in its relations with Azerbaijan, demonstrating that while religious considerations are acknowledged, there is no intention to export its revolution to advance its strategic goals in the South Caucasus.

Keywords

Defence Studies
Volume 23, Issue 90
September 2025

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