The Application of James Rosenau's Theory of Continuity in the Analysis of Regionalism in the Second Pahlavi Regime

The purpose of the present study is to review Iran's regionalism in the second Pahlavi regime based on James Rosenou's theoretical approach by using its variables including decision making personality, role, government, community, and international system. The method of study is descriptive analysis and the results showed that the two variables of international system and decision making personality are the most important variables effective on the process of foreign policy and Iran's regionalism in that time period. Iran's regionalist politics in the second Pahlavi regime have been in line with power structure in the international system and based on national interests. Furthermore, Iran in that period, under the influence of bipolar structure and cold war and based on Mohammad Reza Shah's temperament and personality as the most important person in decision making and implementation of foreign policy demanded superiority and authority in the region.