The Role of Basij in the Generation and Development of the Soft Power of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Although Basij was originated on the basis of the military requirements of the Iraqi imposed war against Iran, its function could not be limited to merely military areas and it had to deal with cultural, social, political and economic issues as well. Following the Islamic Revolution, the Iranian public who had opted for an Islamic way of governing the country, had challenged the interests of the great powers who had exploited the oil and other resources of Iran for a long period and had shouted ‘Independence, Freedom, Islamic Republic’ motto opposed the Westernization of Iranian society which had been followed by Pahlavi regime and wanted a political system independent of the Western powers and an ethical system based on Islamic teachings. Hence, the present article explores the role of Basij in generation and development of the soft power of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The hypothesis followed here is that given the role of religion in the Iranian society, Basij can widen its presence in various non-military areas such as education, health, and technology and enhance the legitimacy of the Islamic Republic among Iranians and in the international community by relying on region as a soft element and benefitting from various cultural, scientific, social, and political capabilities.