دیپلماسی عمومی

Citizen diplomacy is a concept based on which every individual citizen has the right and responsibility to contribute to shaping their country's foreign relations, even "through a single handshake." Citizen diplomats participate as unofficial ambassadors in exchange programs abroad and establish person-to-person relationships; in other words, they create a network of human connections that later serve as the foundation for dialogue and official negotiations. In this regard, the present study aims to develop an Islamic model of citizen diplomacy within the domain of the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The research method employed is descriptive-analytical, and the research proposition asserts that given the precedence of public diplomacy in the Islamic world compared to the Western world (dating back to the early Islamic era and the governance of the Prophet Muhammad), it is possible to extract the capacities of citizen diplomacy from the foundations of Islam and propose an Islamic model for citizen diplomacy. This model consists of the principles of "unity, faith-based brotherhood, human brotherhood, peace and friendship, financial contributions, invitation (da'wah), honoring humanity, and reconciliation of hearts (ta'līf al-qulūb)."

The Islamic Awakening and the power vacuum after 2012 have been key factors motivating Arab states to invest in sport as a soft power tool to assert regional dominance. While Qatar hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games and the 2034 FIFA World Cup for the first time. This study aims to explore the role of sport in governance within West Asia. In recent years, an expanding body of literature has deepened our understanding of sports in the Middle East. Under the leadership of Mohammad Bin Salman (MBS), Saudi Arabia has entered a new era of sports investment but has faced accusations of 'sportswashing.' Meanwhile, Qatar and the UAE, two smaller states in the region, have played pivotal roles in supporting high-profile sporting events. This study employs qualitative content analysis to assess the achievements of the Persian Gulf States-namely the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar-in soccer. The analysis draws from articles and reports published between 2000 and 2024, sourced from scientific databases such as Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, DOAJ, and Web of Science. While sport plays a crucial role in enhancing the international prestige of the Persian Gulf States, soccer has emerged as the primary focus. Unlike Saudi Arabia, which has sought to dominate the region through soft power initiatives, particularly in soccer, Qatar has pursued a distinct strategy, positioning itself as a peacemaker and friendly nation in the Middle East.

Traditionally, public diplomacy has been centered around collecting and disseminating information. On the one hand, diplomats must collect information about how foreign audiences perceive the actions of a particular government, and on the other hand, they must assess the nature of relations between the two countries and identify opportunities or threats of bilateral cooperation. In this regard, the most important obstacles and problems facing the public diplomacy cycle are: Chart 1: Obstacles and problems of the public diplomacy cycleHowever, throughout history, technological advances have always impacted the field of diplomacy and public diplomacy and often transformed the structure of international relations. Consider the emergence of the telegraph in the nineteenth century, an advancement that transformed diplomatic communications by drastically reducing the time needed to exchange messages between countries. This transition accelerated diplomatic negotiations and created new dynamics in power relations and information management. Similarly, the emergence of the Internet in the late twentieth century further transformed diplomacy and enabled instant global communications and rapid dissemination of information. While the Internet revolutionized how we communicate, work, and access information, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how we live, work, and interact with technology. AI is a branch of computer science that aims to develop intelligent machines that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence. AI systems use algorithms and deep learning models to learn from large datasets and improve accuracy over time. AI can be divided into two primary types: narrow or weak AI and general or strong AI. Narrow AI is designed to perform specific tasks, while general AI is intended for human-like thinking and reasoning. Like the Internet, AI has the potential to transform society in ways we cannot yet predict. Both technologies have the power to create new industries and change existing ones. As we examine the potential and challenges of integrating AI into diplomacy, it is important to note that technology has continuously acted as a catalyst for change in this field and established a precedent for AI's potential role in shaping the future of international relations.

Accordingly, the present study aimed to analyze and examine the role of AI in public diplomacy. The main research question is: what are the strengths, weaknesses, as well as opportunities and threats of the widespread implementation of AI in public diplomacy?

This study used a SWOT analysis and data was collected through review of theoretical literature and previous research. The SWOT method shown below was used to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of AI in public diplomacy. This study uses the SWOT components as the four main categories of analytical subjects. The themes and patterns in the four main categories are processed mostly through an inductive analysis of the findings. A total of 18 research papers were selected for the final analysis in this study.

The main findings resulting from reviewing and studying 18 research papers listed in the above table have been classified into categories of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the table below:Table 2: Findings classified using SWOT

AI software can be used to better understand where narratives take root, helping public diplomacy practitioners know where to focus attention and resources to counter misinformation and hostile influence campaigns. AI's data collection capabilities can help diplomats analyze how their country's interests and actions are portrayed in foreign media, and then local information and outreach efforts to improve penetration. AI-based analysis of social media platforms can also assess the impact of content produced through public diplomacy. In addition to external analytical capabilities, AI tools can simplify internal datasets and global events through the analysis of diplomatic documents sent by embassies, media summaries, briefings, and even diplomats' analysis of local information. Ministries of foreign affairs, ambassadors, and diplomats can use AI tools like chatbots, GPT-3, or Anthropic to analyze news coverage about their home country, gaining insights into topics of discussion reflecting the country's changing political, social, and economic outlook, some potential trends observable over the long term, periodic shifts and changes in media priorities influenced by live geo-political dynamics and events. With modern AI technology, voice mimicry is also possible. Diplomatic channels may be monitored by other countries' intelligence agencies and potentially criminal groups that can access specialized technologies like eavesdropping. Often hidden data (photos, videos, audio recordings) and even fabricated news that an ordinary person could in no way verify their authenticity appear in the media. Such manipulations pose a serious threat to social stability and influence public opinion. AI technologies can also be used in political struggles against rival forces. Diplomats' readiness for change and understanding and use of AI technologies is important. This highlights the need for interdisciplinary educational programs combining innovative thinking, big data management, and machine learning to strengthen effective collaboration between diplomats and technical experts.

China's growing need for global energy resources has made this country pay special attention to the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf and the world's largest energy producers. In this regard, the representation of a positive image of Beijing in the eyes of rulers and Arab societies is one of the requirements for the expansion of political, economic, and social relations. This issue can strengthen Beijing's influence and position in the Middle East. On the other hand, Arab politicians, to maintain their legitimacy and present a positive image of Arab countries as developing advanced, and prosperous nations, need to attract large investments from powerful countries such as China in the field of digital infrastructures and social media platforms.This research aims to answer the question of what effect China's digital diplomacy towards Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates has had on the development process of this country's relations with Saudi Arabia and the UAE and whether this diplomacy has improved the relations between these two countries with China or not. The results of this study suggest that with the beginning of China's focus on the need to enter the Middle East to take advantage of investment opportunities and huge resources, and China's understanding of this to present a positive and peaceful image of itself by using digital diplomacy to expand its influence in this region, China's relations with the mentioned countries have expanded significantly. These relations have been progressing despite the stonewalling of the West and the United States. This is largely due to China's digital diplomacy. The present paper is a descriptive analysis using the documentary and library resources.
.

After the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 1991, the relationship between this country and the Islamic Republic of Iran experienced various fluctuations. Consequently, diverse perspectives emerged in Azerbaijan regarding Iran, sometimes fostering an atmosphere of ambiguity between the two nations. The question arises: what strategies and solutions can foster convergence between these neighboring countries? This study delves into factors contributing to convergence, such as historical ties and shared cultural elements, the significance of traditional rituals, linguistic affinity, and ethnic commonality. Employing the theoretical framework of convergence known as IME (ideological, motivational, and environmental) along with the library method and semi-structured interviews, the study aims to address this challenge. It proposes solutions for fostering social relations between the two countries within the realm of society and public diplomacy, underlining the role of public relations and public diplomacy in strengthening the ties between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan. These solutions include fostering civilizational connections between the people of Iran and Azerbaijan, promoting health tourism and medical services for Shia communities in Azerbaijan within Iran, reciprocating medical services to the people of Azerbaijan, and facilitating pilgrimage and religious tourism for Azerbaijani Shias to visit sacred sites in Iran, such as the shrines of Imam Rida, Lady Fatima Maʿsuma, and Shah Cheragh.

As a form of non-verbal communication, fashion entails several elements, such as clothing, accessories, hairstyles, and makeup, and conveys several implicit messages. The communication of messages in this manner is referred to as fashion diplomacy. With the development and expansion of digital media and the possibility of overcoming space and time limitations, fashion diplomacy can surpass traditional verbal communication tools in terms of its impact on both general and specific audiences, encompassing both public and private diplomacy. This study focuses on the implications of adherence or non-adherence to the diplomatic dress code by foreign officials during their meetings with Iranian officials between 2010 and 2019. The fashion's role in message communication is analyzed using the theoretical perspectives of Michael R. Solomon and Roland Barthes on fashion encoding and decoding. A qualitative descriptive-analytical approach is adopted to examine the dress code of foreign officials during diplomatic meetings with Iranian officials. The study involves analyzing qualitative data, specifically photos, and decoding the dressing choices portrayed in the media. The resulting analysis sheds light on the semiotics of fashion in these diplomatic visits. A thorough analysis of the theoretical and practical implications of fashion's role in message communication has led this study to a notable conclusion. During the aforementioned period of diplomatic meetings between Iranian and foreign officials, implicit messages were conveyed through fashion choices. The messages under scrutiny can be classified into four discrete forms: backing off, pretending/hypocrisy, insult/disrespect, and respect/intimacy.

The present research investigates the structural and functional dynamics of the public diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s foreign policy. The hypothesis suggests that Iran’s public diplomacy institutions, particularly those directed at the "export of revolution," play a pivotal role in inspiring and shaping the country’s public diplomacy efforts. To elucidate this hypothesis, the research draws upon John Millson’s framework concerning soft power, identity, and public diplomacy. Methodologically, the research employs data analysis, content analysis, and examination of the behavioral model of each public diplomacy institution within Iran’s foreign policy. The study concludes that following the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran’s public diplomacy encountered international pressures and strategic constraints. Notably, Iran’s public diplomacy efforts manifested through interactions with various actors aimed at achieving equilibrium amidst counteractions. The attainment of any agreement necessitates a balance of power and expectations, prompting Iran to pursue public diplomacy through "second-path mechanisms" in collaboration with other influential actors. Addressing crises and managing security and economic challenges constitute significant aspects of Iran’s public diplomacy behavioral patterns. Transparency-building and trust-making are identified as crucial initial steps, shaping the roadmap of public diplomacy to foster cooperative relations among stakeholders in resolving forthcoming challenges. Furthermore, the effectiveness of Iran’s public diplomacy within its foreign policy framework hinges upon domestic solidarity and the implementation of a relatively coherent roadmap to promote cooperation among diverse actors. In the post-JCPOA era, Iran’s public diplomacy strategy emphasized multilateral actions to mitigate economic threats arising from the reinstatement of post-JCPOA sanctions, thereby influencing the country’s political and economic landscape.

Diplomacy is a peaceful solution to achieve the goals and national interests of countries at the lowest possible cost, and if the principles of its use are well observed, it will achieve to the goals. nowadays, the use of cyberspace in the field of diplomacy has been considered by different countries. current study was conducted with the aim to identify the components of public-defense diplomacy of the I.R.I with an emphasis on the cyberspace in both formal and informal areas and by asking the question, what are the official and informal factors influencing the components of the public-defense diplomacy of the I.R.I with an emphasis on the cyberspace? The statistical population includes Experts who are knowledgeable about diplomacy and cyberspace issues, who are aristocracy in the defense field. This research is of applied type and has been collected in a field method through questionnaires, library documents and Internet sites. The results show that in the field of formal diplomacy to hold online defense courses, strengthen defense diplomacy and convince neighboring and rival countries from the context of cyberspace have the most effective and in the field of informal diplomacy, the dissemination of defense information by observing the principles of protection in order to deterrence, the broadcasting of defense programs on the official website of the Ministry of Defense and the critique of defense and military policies of neighboring countries and the regions, from the perspective of the statistical community in this research, have a higher priority.

The purpose of the present study is to answer the main question about the role of the state leader in applying public diplomacy relational methods to fulfill interests of Iran and the Islamic world. The research method is descriptive-analytic and the results showed that with regard to his role in the political-legal structure of the country, having religious authority in the Shi’ite world, and the existing potentials in the discourse literature of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, the state leader by applying soft power and relational methods through gatherings, meetings, approaches, mass media, relevant institutions, cultural and educational organizations, and sending messages and letters to the audience, has an effective role in right detection and enemy recognition, revival of the Islamic ideology, spiritual propagation of the revolution, enforcement of smart power of the Islamic Republic of Iran, preparation of resistance culture, and challenging the unjust nature of the international order in various aspects.

Public diplomacy, unlike its formal type, aims to influence the general public and audiences who apparently have no responsibility in the field of foreign policy but constitute the body of society. This type of diplomacy has become very prevalent in recent years and forms the basis of long and stable relations to secure interests for countries. The United States is one of the countries that has incurred a lot of costs in this area, striving to use all the tools of public diplomacy to achieve its foreign policy goals and has even established a separate division within the Department of State for this purpose. As the Biden administration has declared repairing the international image of America as one of its primary foreign policy objectives, one of their most important tools to achieve this goal is public diplomacy. The important question that arises is what changes has the public diplomacy of the United States undergone during the Biden administration compared to the Trump administration? In order to answer this question, a method of scholarly study has been used, based on a descriptive-analytical approach, and the necessary information has been collected from library resources. The result of comparing these two periods shows that the U.S. government in the Biden administration seeks to use past tools and the mainstream of international media to portray the past events as an exception to Donald Trump and to work on repairing America's image in the world.

This paper compares the soft power and cultural relations of Iran and Türkiye in the South Caucasus republics and compares the cultural diplomacy of both states in this region, especially after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The purpose of this research is to investigate the success rate of Iran's cultural diplomacy in the South Caucasus region compared to Türkiye's cultural diplomacy in this region.

This paper relies on the theory of cultural diplomacy, examines the diplomacy and cultural relations of Iran and Türkiye in the South Caucasus region in a descriptive-analytical and comparative manner.

Türkiye has somehow been more successful by significantly expanding its cultural relations with the Republic of Azerbaijan and Georgia by using various tools and quite active political stances, compared to Iran, which has used fewer tools and has mostly played a neutral role in the political issues of the South Caucasus. Although, historically, civilizationally, culturally, and religiously, Iran has more capacities for success and greater influence in the South Caucasus; But it has not been very successful in actualizing these potential capacities.

It seems that one of the reasons for the weakness of Iran's cultural diplomacy in the Caucasus compared to Türkiye could be Tehran's greater attention to the Arab states of West Asia; Contrary to Türkiye's emphasis on the priority of developing its relations with the Turkic-speaking states of Central Asia and the Caucasus, and in this way and with a regionalist approach, it also expands its cultural relations with Georgia, Tajikistan, and even Armenia.

Iran's public diplomacy towards modern Iraq has included several programs. However, Economic programs and initiatives are among the programs that have been addressed less independently. Therefore, the purpose of this article is explanation the economic programs in the iran's public diplomacy in modern Iraq. The main question was that "What is the place of economic programs in the I.R.Iran's public diplomacy in modern Iraq?" Research findings showed that “Although the economic programs have not had an independent position in the public diplomacy of the I.R.I in modern Iraq, but, Their full and independent application will serve the goals of public diplomacy, the vast capacities of resources, actors and economic activities.” At the same time that due to some cultural and political sensitivities in the Iraqi society and on the other hand the needs of this country's economy, more attention and use of economic programs that are less sensitive is a double importance and necessity for Iran's public diplomacy towards new Iraq will have. In this regard, some programs such as the use of the "tourism industry" and "developmental aid" are more well-known, which of course have a Shia approach to some extent, and also have been of interest as cultural and political programs. Dealing with these matters under the title of economic programs of public diplomacy plays an important role in the maximum use of these capacities; Because this creates the opportunity to implement more dimensions of these programs and activates more devices in this field.

The present article studies the application of public diplomacy by the Supreme Leader of Iran in the Islamic awakening movement. Public diplomacy is the process in which a country makes contact with the people of other countries to introduce its ideas and learn about their ideas and national ideals, introduce certain institutions, culture, and norms, and explain the objectives of its policies. In the course of the Islamic awakening movement, the Supreme Leader of Iran used public diplomacy. Drawing on the descriptive-analytical method based on the statements, letters, and sermons by the Supreme Leader, the present study shows that he always addresses the elites and masses of people in the Islamic world to introduce the ideals and values of the Islamic Revolution. This kind of traditional public diplomacy established discourses at crucial moments of history, particularly during the Islamic awakening since 2011, and was realized by directly addressing Muslims in the region, giving instructions to elites and reference groups, sending letters to the youths, holding international assemblies, and intelligently using the cyber space.

In the era of globalization, which has been accompanied by evident changes in international system, the importance of non-governmental players has been increasing and public diplomacy has turned into one of the most important types of diplomacy which has been the implications of the increasing importance of the role of public opinion in international affairs. Japan has been one of the countries which have been using public diplomacy as a means for creating a positive image for the country. After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the independence of Central Asian countries, the expansion of Japan’s relations with mentioned countries has become more important due to the region’s strategic position and rich oil, gas, rare metal, and uranium resources. Through soft power and presenting a positive image of the country, Japan has become a successful model for the development of Central Asian countries and has penetrated into the heart and mind of the Central Asian people and politicians. In the present research, we have analyzed the elements of Japan’s public diplomacy in Central Asian countries. The main question of the research states: why Japan’s approach in Central Asia has been based on enhancing public diplomacy and maximum exploitation of soft power geocultural competition with China and Russia? Answering this question, we can say that while China has been focused on economic dimension and Russia has been focused on security dimension, Japan has tried to enter this strategic region by relying on its soft power attractions and has been seeking to become a cultural power. Japan influenced the public opinion of these countries through three key components of cultural diplomacy, scientific and educational diplomacy, and providing developmental helps. The research method of this research is descriptive-analytical.

As two emerging Asian powers, India and China, have tried to expand their relations with Arab Countries of the Persian Gulf through public diplomacy which can be a platform for the realization of the foreign policy goals of these two countries. this study tries to address this important question that what are the differences and similarities of public diplomacy between India and China in the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf between 2001and2021? The hypothesis in response to this question is that the importance of the concept and position of public diplomacy in order to acquire foreign policy goals and more influence in the region, as well as the use of language, literature and culture are similarities between the two countries; Methods of conducting public diplomacy including the film industry, the Confucius Institute, diaspora activity and the “Belt Road initiative” are the differences of Indo-Chinese public diplomacy. In this study, a comparative method is used to analyze the differences and similarities of public diplomacy between India and China in the Persian Gulf Arab countries. The finding of the research indicates that public diplomacy as the tool of national interests has been in the focus of India and China and this point is important for Iran based on the principle of neighborhood policy.

The experience of the last few decades has shown that the Islamic Republic of Iran has not performed well in the field of human rights, managing the reflection of internal protests, and justifying its regional policies. Part of this problem is due to external factors and the efforts of the anti-Iranian front; but the role and influence of internal factors cannot be ignored. Lack of common understanding of national interests among policymakers and those responsible for managing the international image of the Islamic Republic, security-oriented foreign policy and cultural exchanges, lack of an independent and responsible national institution in the field of national image, lack of institutionalized and defined communication/ division of work between active institutions in the field of public diplomacy and Iran's international image and not having a long-term plan in the field of public diplomacy and managing Iran's international image have been one of the most important internal obstacles and challenges in creating a favorable image of Iran in the world. Institutionalizing, national branding, actualizing the capacity of Iranians abroad, appropriate and targeted management of cultural agencies, accurate geographical/cultural/political target audience, optimal use of virtual space and management of daily messages are some of the solutions presented in this article to improve Iran's international image management.

Public diplomacy is the effort of the government to communicate with other societies in order to transfer the values, culture, policies, etc. of its society to facilitate the provision of national interests. It is obvious that the Islamic Republic of Iran has many sources of public diplomacy among the countries of the region, especially the people and ethnic groups of the Iraqi Fili Kurds.The research method is historical-qualitative (thematic analysis) and its statistical population includes first-hand documents and historical sources, as well as interviews with informed people or informed gatekeepers, and the sampling method was purposeful. To collect data in this study, semi-structured interviews and face-to-face interviews were used.The findings of the research indicate that among the most important opportunities for Iran's public diplomacy in Iraq are cultural, historical and religious commonalities, geographical proximity, the presence of Iranians and Shiites, Iran's cultural capacity and capabilities, the development of cultural trade, and prioritizing cultural development. It can be counted in this country.The result of the research shows that the Kurds of Fili are the cultural promoters of Islamic Iran and are considered part of the civilization body of Iran. And despite the severe strictures of the Baath regime and the cultural invasion of foreign and western media, they have been able to preserve many components of Iranian culture. In any case, Akrad Fili has a favorable potential in the direction of providing Iran's national interests and they have a lot in common. whose indicators and examples will be discussed under the title of diplomacy tools in the research description.

In the current world, due to the importance and effective function of public diplomacy, it has a valuable position among the decision makers of the Islamic Republic of Iran and they have paid serious attention to it. Given the threats and challenges that have arisen against Iran, it is necessary to pursue it, and the defense sector, relying on diplomatic activities, can play a fundamental and desirable role in building mutual trust and confidence between the countries of the region. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has also succeeded in recent yearsTo become one of the main actors in the field of diplomacy, especially public diplomacy. The Revolutionary Guards is one of the most important military and political arms of Iran in regional policy-making and can show itself in the field of public diplomacy and placing Iran in the hearts and minds of domestic and regional public opinion. In fact, this organization, while working in the field of defense and military in order to defend the territorial integrity of the country, considers it its duty to protect the values ​​of the Islamic Revolution in every field (economic, cultural, etc.). Therefore, he has a decisive presence in the field of public diplomacy and tries to be an effective actor in this field. thereforeThe question that has become a serious concern for the author is what was the purpose of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in advancing public diplomacy in its policies in recent years?

Public diplomacy is a new approach in the foreign policy of countries that targets people, especially the elites of other societies in foreign relations, and its purpose has been to influence and shape public opinion. In the light of the Arab developments in the Middle East, especially in the Syrian crisis, the Islamic Republic of Iran has played an active role and has used various types of diplomacy, including public diplomacy. This article tries to discuss the role of public diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in increasing the influence of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Syria and the obstacles and limitations of public diplomacy. By descriptive-analytical method, the authors have hypothesized that the Islamic Republic of Iran has used public diplomacy and soft power along with its hard power in order to consolidate and strengthen its regional role and influence. The authors have proposed the descriptive-analytical method that the Islamic Republic of Iran has used public diplomacy and soft power along with its hard power in order to consolidate and strengthen its regional role and influence. It has used various and appropriate facilities to take advantage of public diplomacy in Syria. However, this success has been influenced by other forms of diplomacy, including formal and military, and due to some endogenous and exogenous obstacles and limitations, it has not been able to enjoy its original and real status

Using diplomacy has been always of great significance for great and regional powers in order to affect other countries. Meanwhile, public diplomacy is considered as one of the most practical types of diplomacy due to its dynamic and transforming nature. In the last decade, the Republic of Turkey has entered into the sphere and tried, on the basis of his capabilities, to promote its influence in peripheral areas. The main purpose of the present paper is to address this question: “what are the means and basis of Turkey’s public diplomacy in the peripheral areas?” The hypothesis of the research states that Turkey, especially from 2010 inwards, has used a variety of its public diplomacy tools with regards to short, medium, and long term priorities. This country has exploited its media and cyber capacities for short-term, its public relations, companies, NGOs and diaspora for medium-term, and its cultural and branding diplomacy for long-term priorities. It should be mentioned that this findings have been concluded through library resources for describing and analyzing this phenomenon.