A Critique of Modern Peace Theory (Towards Classical Peace Theory Based on Iranian History)

Peace is the modern world product of management and coordination based on the consequences of using military force. This simple and extended theory has been the main assumption of peace studies in law and internation relations in the twentieth century. But, this article argues that modern peace theory establishing order based on coercion and out of fear) is not related to historical experiences and real peace, but what is more relevant to real peace is classical peace theory which contrary to modern perception of peace suggests that peace is not characteristic of states, rather it is characteristic of collectivities. Against today's perception of peace, a hypothesis that we try to make it rational and intersubjective, is that peace is the function of a historical community (or civilization) for making its surrounding regions more moderate through unconscious cultural expansion. The findings of research show that Iran is one of the few historical collectivities having functions compatible with those of classical peace theory throughout its history. Therefore, it would be appropriate if this principle that is the classical or pre-modern peace theory becomes the guiding idea of Iran's foreign policy. A central idea suggesting that Iran, throughout its history, has been more characterized by the expansion of its community and culture rather than by the preoccupation of its government. In Iran government has been always strong. In other words, the expansion unconscious understandings, has been the historical function of Iranian community in its surrounding region. This should become the basis of Iran's foreign policy. This policy should reflect this historical inclination of Iranian community and its unconscious expansion and does not suppose itself to be the architecture of lofty plans. Iranian state succeeds best in its foreign policy when its neighbors do not pay much attention to it.