The Role of National Identity Patterns of the Executive Elites in Iran’s Foreign Policy (1997-2005)

The present research studies Iran’s foreign policy during the presidency of Mr. Khaatami with an emphasis on the role of identity patterns of the executive elites in the development of foreign policy by a descriptive-analytic method and the theory of constructivism. The research relies on the hypothesis that identity is regarded as the foundation of national interest. The practical orientation of Iran’s foreign policy is considered a state issue in which different governmental institutions including the executive elites have a role. The component of national culture and identity of the executive elites is regarded as an effective factor in the “behavior” of Iran’s foreign policy during the period of reformism. The results indicate that with regard to the outstanding element of modernism compared to Islamism and nationalism (Iranism) for the reformist executive elites and the perception of cultural and identity similarity with some western elements, Iran’s foreign policy orientation inclined to the west and this issue paved the way for the polarization of Iran’s Foreign policy during the next years.