1
Postdoctoral Researcher in Political Science at the University of Guilan
2
UNIVERSITY OF GUILAN
10.22034/ca.2026.2078247.1952
Abstract
In recent years, soft power has emerged as one of the principal pillars of countries' foreign policies, particularly in strategically vital regions such as the South Caucasus. This article addresses the fundamental question of how the Islamic Republic of Iran can leverage its soft power capacities to counter the expansion of relations among Turkey, Israel, and the Republic of Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus—relations that, relying on security, economic, and transit linkages, have influenced the regional balance of power. The research methodology is based on content analysis of official documents, credible scholarly sources, and secondary data spanning the period from 2010 to 2024, employing the theoretical framework of Nye and Papp. The study's hypothesis posits that the targeted application of the Islamic Republic of Iran's soft power components—through enhancing regional legitimacy and persuasive power—can lead to a reduction in the geopolitical influence of the Turkey–Israel–Azerbaijan cooperation in the South Caucasus. Four key strategies are examined: preventing access to territory, wedging diplomacy, demonstrating national resolve for balancing, and delegitimizing the hegemon. The findings indicate that Iran, by capitalizing on shared cultural and historical ties, religious diplomacy, and active participation in regional institutions, can effectively resist these relations and consolidate and strengthen its position within the security architecture of the South Caucasus.
hafezi, S. M., & Niakoee, S. A. (2026). The Soft Power of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Geopolitical Balancing in the South Caucasus. (e741427). Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal, (), e741427 https://doi.org/10.22034/ca.2026.2078247.1952
MLA
hafezi, S. M., & Niakoee, S. A. "The Soft Power of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Geopolitical Balancing in the South Caucasus" .e741427 , Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal, , 2026, e741427. doi: 10.22034/ca.2026.2078247.1952
HARVARD
hafezi S. M., Niakoee S. A. (2026). 'The Soft Power of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Geopolitical Balancing in the South Caucasus', Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal, (), e741427. doi: 10.22034/ca.2026.2078247.1952
CHICAGO
S. M. hafezi & S. A. Niakoee, "The Soft Power of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Geopolitical Balancing in the South Caucasus," Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal, (2026): e741427, doi: 10.22034/ca.2026.2078247.1952
VANCOUVER
hafezi S. M., Niakoee S. A. The Soft Power of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Geopolitical Balancing in the South Caucasus. Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal. 2026;():e741427 (In Persian). doi: 10.22034/ca.2026.2078247.1952
