Internationalizing of Universities and Its Effect on scientific Diplomacy Case study: Imam Sadiq University(1982-2016)

Academic diplomacy can be considered as one of the most effective fields of public diplomacy. This diplomacy is mainly led by countries' universities and academic community. Nowadays, being aware of the high degree of effectiveness of academic diplomacy in the achievement of desirable results in their foreign policy, various countries seek to invest in this modern field. As a forerunner in the field of Islamic humanities, the Imam Sadiq (pbuh) University (ISU) can be introduced as an example in the field of academic diplomacy. A study of the background of this university and evaluation of the level of its internationalization based on standard indicators shows that ISU has not been completely successful in the international presentation of itself, and ultimately in its movement in line with academic diplomacy. In this research, I have interviewed the ISU's authorities, professors, and experts at the international level using data saturation point method. With respect to the causes of ISU's failure, one can point to such factors as the lack of motivation and will on behalf of ISU's senior authorities. In the end, such solutions as creating awareness in the staff, faculty members, and utilizing the capacities of ISU graduates are mentioned.