Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Ph.D Student, International Relations, Department of Political Sciences, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
2 Associate Professor, International Relations, Department of Political Sciences, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
3 Associate Professor in International Relations, Department of Political Sciences, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
4 Associate Professor in International Relations, Department of Political Sciences, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, University of Isfahan, Isfahan
Abstract
Iran and China, as two influential powers in the Middle East, are striving to enhance their influence through public diplomacy. The influence of both countries is particularly notable in Iraq and Lebanon. The writers want to answer the question of what are the differences and similarities in the public diplomacy of Iran and China in order to exert influence in Iraq and Lebanon? The hypothesis of the paper, which is examined using a descriptive-analytical method, argues that Iran has improved its influence by emphasizing historical and religious relations, while supporting political and social groups in Lebanon and Iraq. In contrast, China has sought to exert its influence through economic tools (infrastructure projects and investments) and cultural instruments, working through the governments of Iraq and Lebanon. In other words, the difference and similarity between the two countries lie in the tools and methods of influence. The findings of the research show that public diplomacy is a common tool in the foreign policy of countries, and each country attempts to utilize it based on its relative advantages to exert influence.
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