International Relations
Seyed Hamzeh Safavi; Amirhossein Elhami; Ahmad Ramezani
Abstract
The main concern of this research is the investigation of China's strategic presence in Southwest Asia in the horizon of 2033 and its effects on the national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran. the research method is mixed (quantitative-qualitative), the research strategy is explorative, its time ...
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The main concern of this research is the investigation of China's strategic presence in Southwest Asia in the horizon of 2033 and its effects on the national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran. the research method is mixed (quantitative-qualitative), the research strategy is explorative, its time horizon is medium-term (10 years) and data collection is also mixed (documentary-field). First, by document study and interviews, 67 driving forces of China's strategic presence in 8 parameters of PESTEL+DS (political, economic, social, technological, environmental, legal, defense and security) In addition to 7 global - regional trends were identified. Then, with questionnaire the effectiveness, importance and uncertainty of them was determined (according to the Lawshe coefficient, the validity of 55 driving forces - trends was confirmed and 19 driving forces - trends did not achieve the desired validity). in total, 22 driving forces - trends above the significance and uncertainty threshold values were selected. Then, with Friedman's test, 7 driving forces were selected, and their qualitative states were also extracted. Finally, 4 scenarios with zero inconsistency were drafted and edited with the questionnaire of cross influence matrix and scenario wizard software, and their effects on the national security of IRI were evaluated.
Developments in the Middle East
Ali akbar Asadi; Mohammd Orf
Abstract
Given the serious limitations in the field of hard power, the development of soft power, including nation branding, is considered as one of the key priorities of small states such as Qatar. According to this matter, the question is, where does nation branding play a role in Qatar's foreign policy ...
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Given the serious limitations in the field of hard power, the development of soft power, including nation branding, is considered as one of the key priorities of small states such as Qatar. According to this matter, the question is, where does nation branding play a role in Qatar's foreign policy and national security? In this regard, the limitations and challenges of Qatar in terms of power and national security capacities, as well as its potentials, have been addressed to the country's overall approach and policies in the field of nation branding. The results of the study show that Qatari leaders have been able to achieve significant successes and achievements in the field of nation branding by focusing on six main areas, thus helping to improve the country's national power and security capacities. These areas include: political networking and crisis mediation; media branding with focusing on Al Jazeera; capacities and economic assistance as a support for branding; capacity building and cultural diplomacy; capacity development and sports diplomacy; strengthening and promoting the tourism sector. This article has been used as a descriptive - explanatory study of the six-dimensional conceptual model of Anholt to explain nation branding.
International Relations
Seyed jalal Dehghani Firozabadi; Saeed Chehrazad
Abstract
IntroductionSome governments and organizations are preparing to exploit artificial intelligence (AI) in order to destabilize the world and benefit from numerous cyber-attacks. The rapid advancement of AI enables cybercriminals to amplify their destructive impact worldwide, as AI has the potential to ...
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IntroductionSome governments and organizations are preparing to exploit artificial intelligence (AI) in order to destabilize the world and benefit from numerous cyber-attacks. The rapid advancement of AI enables cybercriminals to amplify their destructive impact worldwide, as AI has the potential to reshape and disrupt global conditions in the coming years. The primary objective of this research was to establish a comprehensive framework for critically evaluating the role of AI in facilitating unethical practices within the realm of security, both in theory and in practice. To lay the groundwork for the practical implementation of national security measures based on grounded theory requires adopting a problem-oriented perspective on terrorism, warfare, and conflict. A strategic instance of this approach is the concept of algorithmic national security which has the potential for creating and developing a new security order. This article aimed to contribute to the existing body of scientific literature, as there is currently a dearth of research in this field, thereby paving the way for future investigations. The primary objective of this research was to establish a comprehensive framework for critically evaluating the role of AI in facilitating unethical practices within the realm of security, both in theory and in practice. The present research aimed to develop a comprehensive framework for the critical evaluation of the role of AI in the unethical utilization of its functions in security matters, both in theory and in practice. In this line, the main question is: How can national security topics be problematized in light of AI hegemony and within the framework of terrorism, war, conflict, and defense?Materials and MethodsAdopting a descriptive–analytical approach, the present research relied on library research and documentary method to collect the data from various printed and electronic sources, including websites and magazines. Note-taking was used as a tool in data collection stage. In this study, AI and national security were considered as the independent and dependent variables, respectively.Results and DiscussionThe debate surrounding the use of AI and its autonomy on future battlefields has predominantly centered on the ethical implications of granting complete authority to independent and autonomous weapons, often referred to as killer robots, capable of making life or death decisions. Is it truly feasible for these systems to operate without any human intervention, or does their deployment potentially violate the principles of warfare and international humanitarian laws? Avoiding such a predicament necessitates that those involved in warfare differentiate between combatants and civilians on the battlefield, prioritizing the preservation of civilian lives and minimizing harm to them to the greatest extent possible.Proponents of this emerging technology argue that machines will eventually possess enough intelligence to distinguish themselves from humans. Conversely, opponents maintain that machines will never possess the capability to make such a fundamental distinction. They argue that machines lack the capacity to make split-second decisions in the heat of war or exhibit timely empathy. In response to these concerns, several human rights and humanitarian organizations have launched the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots, aiming to establish an international ban on the development and deployment of fully automated and autonomous weapon systems. In the meantime, a highly contentious debate is unfolding within the military sphere regarding the use of AI in the command and control systems governing how senior officers convey essential orders to their subordinate soldiers. Throughout history, generals and admirals have consistently sought to enhance the reliability of command and control systems to ensure the fullest realization of their strategic objectives.Nowadays, these systems are heavily relied upon to ensure the security of radio and satellite communication systems that connect headquarters to the front lines. However, strategists are concerned that in a future hyper-warfare environment, these systems could be vulnerable to disruptions caused by jamming, which would make the speed of military operations exceed commanders’ limited ability to receive battlefield reports, process data, and issue timely orders. It is important to go beyond these concerns and consider the practical definition of the uncertain fog of war, which is further complicated by the multiplication effect of AI and the potential for failure. Many military officers see a solution to this dilemma in relinquishing the control of machines to these systems. As stated in a report by the Congressional Research Service, AI algorithms can offer more reliable tools for real-time analysis of the battlefield and enable faster decision-making, thus being able to stay updated.ConclusionWe are currently witnessing a turning point in technology. The pace of advancements in AI is surpassing even the expert predictions. These breakthroughs offer significant advantages to humanity, enabling AI systems to tackle complex issues in medicine, the environment, and other fields. However, along with progress, there are also accompanying risks. The implications of AI for national security are becoming increasingly profound with each passing year. In this article, the aim was to assess the extent of these consequences in the years ahead. The findings indicate that AI is likely to highlight several, if not all, of the most challenging aspects of transformative military technologies. It thus becomes increasingly crucial to address its implications in examining how policymakers in the realm of national security respond to this technology.Unfortunately, AI carries the potential for risks comparable to those posed by previous technologies, and in some cases, its impact could be even more devastating, owing to the rapid pace of technological advancement and the intricate relationship between government and industry in the present era. While we appreciate the increasing number of high-quality AI reports published in recent years, we acknowledge that a certain degree of conservatism has somewhat impeded comprehensive analysis. In this article, the objective was to provide an honest description of the AI revolution as truly revolutionary rather than merely different. To address this challenge effectively, governments must approach the issue with ambition, emphasizing both research and development while considering its ramifications.The advancement of AI technology in the military, information technology, cybersecurity, and economic sectors over the next decade will lead to profound transformations worldwide. These changes are occurring at a faster pace than anticipated, and undoubtedly, they will present their own set of challenges, with implications extending to various aspects, including national security. AI introduces a level of complexity in the interactions between states, industries, and individuals, necessitating the deployment of skilled experts to respond quickly and effectively to the evolving landscape shaped by this phenomenon.
alireza samiee; jaafar noruzinejad; shahrooz soltan ahmadi
Abstract
The following article seeks to answer the main question: What security approach has the moderate government of Hassan Rouhani put in its agenda during the first term of its presidency (2013-2016)? And more clearly; what are the dimensions, components, and reference, purpose and security strategies in ...
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The following article seeks to answer the main question: What security approach has the moderate government of Hassan Rouhani put in its agenda during the first term of its presidency (2013-2016)? And more clearly; what are the dimensions, components, and reference, purpose and security strategies in this security approach? The research hypothesis is that the security approach of Hassan Rouhani's government, influenced by the requirements of social fields, had a McNamara approach; In a way, the link between security and development, and especially economic, social and political development, has been a priority. The findings show that the Eleventh Government considers national power to be the result of a broader definition of security and considers it a strategic mistake to limit this concept to military power and the use of harsh tools. It has maximized the issue of security and has tried to improve the national security situation by relying on development policies in the fields of economy, society and politics. Qualitative research method of causal explanation and conceptual and theoretical tools for subject analysis, using the security theory of Barry Buzan and Weaver is one of the leading experts of the Copenhagen school. The method of data collection is also library and also the use of scientific resources of cyberspace.
Mitra Rahnejhad; Tirdad Taghipoor Javi
Abstract
In West Asia, order, oil, and arms have always been the three main factors in determining the equations, which has led to the continued presence of major supra-regional powers in West Asia. Despite significant differences between China and the European Union, both are strategic partners. Given the presence ...
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In West Asia, order, oil, and arms have always been the three main factors in determining the equations, which has led to the continued presence of major supra-regional powers in West Asia. Despite significant differences between China and the European Union, both are strategic partners. Given the presence of China and the European Union in the West Asian region, the question arises as to what effect the economic interests of China and the European Union in this region have on Iran's national security? The main hypothesis is: that: Since China and the European Union have no security competition and at the same time both are important economic players in the world; In the context of extensive US sanctions against Iran, the intersection of the interests of these two supra-regional powers in West Asia and its alignment with the interests of Iran's regional rivals will be a challenge to Iran's national security. This article seeks to answer the question of the article with a comparative view, based on the Copenhagen School of Security.
Hossein Masoudnia; S.Ali Majidinejad; Abdoreza Alishahi
Abstract
This study tries to study the security threats of the Pakistani Salafists for national security of The Islamic Republic of Iran. The main question of this paper is: regarding Deobandi and Wahhabi ideas of Pakistani Salafists which are basically anti- Shiite, what the threats of Salafist groups of Pakistan ...
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This study tries to study the security threats of the Pakistani Salafists for national security of The Islamic Republic of Iran. The main question of this paper is: regarding Deobandi and Wahhabi ideas of Pakistani Salafists which are basically anti- Shiite, what the threats of Salafist groups of Pakistan are for the national security of The Islamic Republic of Iran? And what aspects of the Islamic Republic of Iran's national security will be influenced by the threats of Pakistan's Salafist groups? The hypothesis of the research is: Salafism in Pakistan can pose threats to both hard and soft macro dimensions of national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Methodology in this article is descriptive-analytic.
mohammadjavad fathi
Abstract
The Caspian basin is very important due to the geopolitical situation and energy resources, especially oil and gas. In recent years, competition over energy resources in the field has increased between regional and extra-regional actors, which in addition to the tension and confrontation between the ...
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The Caspian basin is very important due to the geopolitical situation and energy resources, especially oil and gas. In recent years, competition over energy resources in the field has increased between regional and extra-regional actors, which in addition to the tension and confrontation between the actors, has intensified instability and insecurity in the region. Moreover, how to transfer and deliver the Caspian energy and projects and proposed routes for the transfer of energy from different countries have added to the insecurity and instability. Among the different projects and proposals for Caspian energy transmission, energy transmission through Neka- Jask pipelines which is provided by Iran, is among the important proposals. The question of this study is what effect does the energy transfer by Neka-Jask pipeline in terms of geo-economic and geo-strategic has on the national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran? Based on the authors, in addition to economic and trade advantages, the implementation of Neka-Jask pipeline has increased the bargaining power of Iran in regional and international relations and with the conjoining of pipeline security with national security, national security will also increase.
Reza Simbar; Roohollah Ghasemian
Volume 3, Issue 9 , February 2015, , Pages 143-178
Abstract
The main focus of detailed discussions in this essay was studying the reasonsthat caused Syria to turn into an important security issue for Iran. Given thelong history of relations between the two, the emergence of this crisis hasactivated Iran heavily and roughly to prevent and confront the West's powersince ...
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The main focus of detailed discussions in this essay was studying the reasonsthat caused Syria to turn into an important security issue for Iran. Given thelong history of relations between the two, the emergence of this crisis hasactivated Iran heavily and roughly to prevent and confront the West's powersince lagging in this issue will impose heavy prices on the Islamic Republic ofIran. The current essay has studied four important reasons for the securityimportance of Syria to Iran; Syria as a dam against the infiltration of the USanti-Iran policies in the Middle-East, Syria's common borders with Hezbollahand Israel, Syria as a place for adopting ideological defense-invasion strategyand its stance in the confluence point of the Islamic Iran and the Arabnationalism ideologies can be the main elements for forming Iran-Syriansecurity relations. As Iran's ally, Syria can be a key factor in preventing theWest's complete plundering of the region and given the four aforementionedcomponents, it can justify and redefine Iran's all-out support for Syria during thecrisis in the country.
Hassan Daheshiar
Volume 3, Issue 9 , February 2015, , Pages 179-201
Abstract
The main focus of detailed discussions in this essay was studying the reasonsthat caused Syria to turn into an important security issue for Iran. Given thelong history of relations between the two, the emergence of this crisis hasactivated Iran heavily and roughly to prevent and confront the West's powersince ...
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The main focus of detailed discussions in this essay was studying the reasonsthat caused Syria to turn into an important security issue for Iran. Given thelong history of relations between the two, the emergence of this crisis hasactivated Iran heavily and roughly to prevent and confront the West's powersince lagging in this issue will impose heavy prices on the Islamic Republic ofIran. The current essay has studied four important reasons for the securityimportance of Syria to Iran; Syria as a dam against the infiltration of the USanti-Iran policies in the Middle-East, Syria's common borders with Hezbollahand Israel, Syria as a place for adopting ideological defense-invasion strategyand its stance in the confluence point of the Islamic Iran and the Arabnationalism ideologies can be the main elements for forming Iran-Syriansecurity relations. As Iran's ally, Syria can be a key factor in preventing theWest's complete plundering of the region and given the four aforementionedcomponents, it can justify and redefine Iran's all-out support for Syria during thecrisis in the country.
Mohsen Smaeili; Hamid Ballaee
Volume 2, Issue 5 , June 2013, , Pages 43-75
