IRAN’S REGIONAL POLICY IN THE SOUTH CAUCASUS:
CASE STUDIES OF RELATIONS WITH
THE REPUBLICS OF AZERBAIJAN & ARMENIA

Abstract

The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive understanding of Iran’s foreign policy
and behaviour, roots of continuity and factors of change in the regional context of the South
Caucasus, using the case studies of its relations with two important neighbouring countries,
the Republics of Armenia and Azerbaijan.
To offer a picture of regional geopolitical context in which the subject is examined, the
study will discuss the importance of South Caucasus in the international system,
introducing the existing challenges and opportunities in the region, as well as important
regional and international players involved, their goals and policies towards those goals.
The study will also provide a review of Iran’s foreign policy in different periods and discuss
factors resulting in different approaches undertaken in each period. The implication of these
policies will then be examined further in the context of the Middle East, as well as South
Caucasus. That is to demonstrate the specific strategies Iran has taken in each of these
regions, and to explain differences between the Middle East policies and that of the South
Caucasus. Case studies will provide a more detailed picture of how regional policies work
and what factors shape the bilateral relations.