Iran and the cognitive challenge in various perceptions of strategic alliance in international relations

The meaning of “strategic alliance” is not solid in international relations literature. Regardless of various possible understandings, this concept is subject to further modifications that may result from changes in equations of the global order. In this situation, it is possible that what is understood by the two ends of a strategic alliance would be significantly different from the original understanding held by each party. Although Iran is located in a specific and sensitive location in the world's political geography, it is not considered to be in any major alliance with a regional block in its foreign relations: neither from the natural nor civilization perspectives. This is because, both naturally and historically, Iran is not a part of the Turk, Arab or Sunni blocks in the region. Therefore, Iran is somehow accepted as a “special entity” in the region. Along with Iran’s geographical position, which has historically instigated global competition, this “exceptionalism” could be the origin of the concept called Iran’s strategic loneliness. In this research, we use a qualitative analysis approach along with several historical facts. We focus on Iran’s perception of the concept of the strategic alliance with regard to the historical competition of the global powers and Iran’s strategic loneliness, especially at the intersection of the two. We will discuss Iran’s position in its strategic environment in contemporary history along with the misunderstandings it might cause based on how “strategic alliance” is perceived in Tehran vs. other capitals.