The Functionality of the Economic Diplomacy and the Cultural Diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Middle East under the Existing Economic Sanctions: An Analysis

The main objective of the present study is to analyze the performance of both economic diplomacy and cultural diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Middle East under the existing conditions of economic sanctions. Under contemporary international relations, cultural diplomacy is one of the effective instruments that can ensure the attainment of national goals and the foreign policy of countries, their impact on the public opinion and building effective relations with the governments of other countries. Adoption of cultural diplomacy by Iran and the Middle East countries and engagement in cultural activities with the aim of maintaining and enhancing bilateral and multilateral relations, particularly under the existing condition of the nuclear sanction imposed on Iran, reflects upon the importance of cultural relations at a time when political and economic relations are on the decline. In order to achieve its economic development goals, the Islamic Republic of Iran also needs to take advantage of its cultural capacities with regards to its interaction with the countries of the region. Therefore, in pursuit of the fulfillment of their national progress and interests as well as regional security, Iran and the friendly nations of the region seek to stamp out the existing negative atmosphere by resorting to cultural diplomacy - during the time of imposed sanctions - and through constructive interaction and economic convergence in the region and target markets. Moreover, the adoption of such principles oriented towards continued détente or de-escalation of tension in the foreign policy, formation of a central headquarters with the aim of promoting economic diplomacy, determining the precise responsibilities of the institutions involved and eliminating overlapping and inefficient bodies, strengthening the production industries, encouraging a non-oil-based economy and their extension to regional sectors can prove to be useful in building cultural relationships and removing the challenges facing the economic diplomacy.