Analysis of the Use of Modern Technologies in Controlling the Northwestern Borders of Iran Using the SWOT Model and the QSPM Matrix

With the expansion of border threats, including the length of Iran's borders, being in a tense geographical area, in addition to traditional patterns, the need for the use of new tools and technologies to control and manage borders has increased significantly worldwide. With the aim of investigating the impact of new technologies in the management of international borders of the Islamic Republic of Iran, this research has investigated the use of new technologies, and their opportunities, threats, weaknesses and strengths.

The current research is based on descriptive-analytical approach and in order to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats ahead, a number of border guards and experts related to border management technologies were interviewed in a theoretical saturation way and using the SWOT model, and accordingly the WT, WO, ST, and SO strategies were determined. To choose the best strategy for using border control technologies, the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) and to determine the weights of the SWOT questionnaire, factors were designed based on a 5-point Likert scale and completed by 120 border guards and experts in this field.

The findings of the research show that despite the strengths and opportunities, the level of threats and weaknesses is very high and it is mandatory to use new tools and technologies along with other border control methods in the region.

According to the geographical requirements and necessities and the methods of using modern technologies in the control of Iran's international borders, it is a good option to rely on defensive approaches to strengthen the strengths, eliminate the weaknesses and deal with the existing threats in the field of border management, and finally create new opportunities for improvement and management and security of the borders of the Islamic Republic of Iran.