Factors influencing an optimal of energy diplomacy in line with economic defense

The aim of the present paper is to provide an optimal model of energy diplomacy that is in line with economic defense doctrines of the Islamic Republic.  In congruence with its aims, this paper can be categorized as applied research; is a descriptive-survey by nature and methodology; and it employs quantitative methods to gather its data. To identify the factors and criteria underlying the issue under investigation the paper utilized the AHP method, and subsequently, the SWOT method to conduct its analysis. The statistical population were 33 experts in the field of diplomacy selected by purposive sampling. The data was collected by conducting a questionnaire, whose content validity and reliability (via compliance rate calculation) were confirmed with a score of CVR = 0.75 and CR = 0.02, respectively. Findings indicate that security factors (W = 0.36) can be more effective than political and economic factors in optimizing an energy diplomacy that is in congruence with economic defense doctrines of the I.R. Moreover, the results indicate that in terms of political factors, focusing on improving the economic stability and adopting economic defense strategies (W = 0.19), in terms of economic factors, the focus on directing energy diplomacy and decision-making for new markets (W= 0.15) and lastly in terms security, focusing on reducing the friction caused by parallelism between government institutions (W= 0.18) can be effective for optimizing an energy diplomacy that is in line with the economic defense policies of the IR. Furthermore, by evaluating internal (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (threats and opportunities), the paper shows that the adoption of a more aggressive strategy can be effective in optimizing energy diplomacy. Finally, the paper concludes by presenting an optimal model of energy diplomacy in line with economic defense strategies of the I.R.