Educational Diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Central Asia

Using educational capabilities, especially in the higher educational domain to develop mutual understanding and make appositive image of a country is called educational diplomacy which is considered under cultural diplomacy. Nowadays, many countries employing university communication channel try to increase their soft power. Educational exchange and establishing university branches in different parts of the world, in particular, those which have common cultural domains, enable countries to increase their impacts through interacting with elites and university educated people. Academics as the most effective part in building the future of a country have a significant influence on cultural understanding and harmony between nations. In this regard, one of the important areas having a common cultural identity with the Islamic Republic of Iran is Central Asia region. This paper seeks to answer the question of how Iran could exploit its academic capabilities in Central Asia. The authors of the present paper believe that the Islamic Republic of Iran exploiting cultural capabilities, Persian language, common history of civilization, higher educational capabilities especially in academic exchange can make a positive image of it and promote its educational diplomacy in Central Asia Region