The Role of Shiite Political Culture in the Soft Power of Islamic Republic of Iran

Political culture as one of the basic concepts of society, is one of its realities. It could be considered as a multi-dimensional phenomenon consisted of beliefs, values, attitudes, knowledge and political feelings. In fact, political culture is a framework which forms political behavior. According to the definition, the Shiite political culture is an integral set of beliefs, values and symbols of Shiism that obtains from Shiite resources and has been the basis of Shiite interaction against political systems and government including areas in which political culture plays a significant role. Thus, the purpose of study is the role of Shiite political culture in the soft power of Islamic republic of Iran. The method used in this research is descriptive. The data collection has applied library and internet resources. The results of the study reveal that in Islamic republic of Iran system the dominant political culture is value-based. Consequently, the legitimacy of the political system is value-based. Shiite religious teachings can help us to legitimize the formation and strengthening of such values. Increasing the legitimacy of system would undoubtedly increase the soft power.