IRAN’S PUBLIC DIPLOMACY AND RELIGIOUS SOFT POWER IN AFRICA

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to identify the ways that Iran has used to become an influential power in Africa. By using the “Export of the Islamic Revolution” and the ideology of “Resistance against Global Arrogance”, Iran has been able to strengthen its soft power by combining classic and modern methods. As a result, some communities in Africa are not only Iran’s allies but also part of Iran’s identity. Therefore, Iran has made a vast community of adherents in Nigeria and supported them in Ghana and Tanzania. In this regard, Iran is trying to consolidate its power in geopolitical competition with the Western as well as regional powers such as Saudi Arabia. It goes without saying, economic trouble and international sanctions have caused Iran to face some obstacles in its policy in Africa in recent years. Using an analytical approach, the authors look at the diplomatic, media and economic strategies that paved Iran’s way to being an attractive actor for some societies, especially in Africa. Therefore, this research helps to understand Iran’s soft power in Africa, as well as assess Iran’s foreign policy in general.