National identity role in the development of relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Central Asia

According to the Iran’s 20-year vision plan, the expansion of relations with neighboring countries and cultures is considered as one of the main goals of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Having a similar national identity between the two countries encourages politicians to establish closer relations. The main premise of the present article is that based on constructivism, given the diverse economic, military, security, political and social benefits that the relationship with Central Asia (Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan) brings to Iran, a similar national identity among the countries of the region with Iran can pave the way for closer relations. In this descriptive-analytical study, with library method of various online and offline sources, an attempt has been made to analyze similar national identity indicators between Iran and the Central Asia region. Based on the findings of the present study, the most important characteristics of similar national identities between the mentioned countries can be considered as language, land, religion, government, race and ethnicity and similar cultural elements. Therefore, in the field of foreign policy, it is necessary for the politicians of the Islamic Republic of Iran to promote Iran's international relations with these countries by relying on similar elements and characteristics of national identity that exist between Iran and Central Asian countries.