“Field” and “Diplomacy” in Major Commader Qasem Soliemani’s Strategic Thinking as An Element I. R. Iran’s Soft Power

This article studies the hybrid strategy of Major Commander Qasem Soliemani in using “field” and “diplomacy” as an elemnt of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s soft power to conduct Iran’s regional policy in a competent approach. The authors’ main question is that how such a hybrid strategy in the context of “balance of terror” deterrence and by using soft and hard power instruments has been able to tackle the security threats and creating political opportunity to preserve Iran’s national interests. The authors argue that by using the elements of ally forces (soft power), implementing an active role in post-conflict situation in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen (political power), and suppressing Takfiri terrorist forces such as Al Qaeda and Daesh in the Levant area (security-military power), Commander Soliemani was able to enhance the weight of Iran’s regional power, thereby Iran’s diplomatic bargaining role in handling strategic foreign policy issues such as nuclear deal with world powers. For examining this hypotheses the authors apply historical-analytical research method and “balance of terror” deterrence theory. The author conclude that this hybrid strategy of Commander Soliemani, combined with soft and hard power, has entered Iran into a great geopolitical game and competently increased Iran’s regional role, adding to its strategic value before great powers. The resumption of political relation between Iran and Saudi Arabia and Arab countries of the region could also be perceived in this context.