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Masoud Malekian Dolat Abadi, Gholamhosein Heidari, Farhad Hamzeh,
Volume 25, Issue 77 (6-2025)
Abstract

The contemporary global landscape is characterized by heightened geopolitical competition, in which energy resources have evolved from being mere support for nations to becoming pivotal elements in the contest for power. This context has transformed corridors into significant arenas for competition, as each country endeavors to establish its position within the intricate network created by these emerging corridors. In this regard, the prevailing global geopolitical trend has intensified the competition over maritime chokepoints and secured access to cross-border markets.This research serves as a theoretical foundation, employing a descriptive-analytical methodology that incorporates a comparative approach, utilizing library and internet resources for data collection. Within the chronopolitical framework of Iran-Iraq relations, each actor strives to delineate its role in international corridors while pursuing various objectives. For instance, Iraq is actively engaged in the "FAW Corridor" initiative, whereas Iran seeks to expand economic cooperation and secure a place in the burgeoning alliances of the East. While it is challenging to make definitive predictions regarding the future of relations between the two countries from a chronopolitical perspective, emerging signs suggest a trend toward diminished cooperation and increased competition, influenced by a multitude of variables. A key indicator of this potential competition is the rivalry over transit routes (corridors).
 

Dr Majid Rasouli,
Volume 25, Issue 78 (9-2025)
Abstract

Iraq is regarded as a pivotal element in Iran's foreign policy. For Iranian policymakers, Iraq represents a more critical and, consequently, a more sensitive operational ground than other nations where Iran extends support to local militia groups. Historical evidence indicates that developments in Iraq can have significant repercussions for Iran's stability. Iraq continues to pose a threat to Iran's national security, which underpins Iran's efforts to influence Iraq's internal policies and strategic orientation. Since 2003, Iran has adeptly infiltrated the Iraqi Shia population by capitalizing on the long-standing common borders and cultural, religious, and economic ties with Iraq. Iran's influence is multifaceted, encompassing access to a diverse array of political and social actors. Hence, this research aims to examine the various geocultural factors in Iran-Iraq relations. To accomplish this objective, a descriptive-analytical method and Wizard software were employed. The findings of the research reveal that the divergent factors in geocultural relations between Iran and Iraq are situated in critical and semi-critical conditions. The robust scenario board comprises eight distinct possible situations. Among these eight scenarios, three are classified as critical, one as semi-critical, one as static, two as semi-optimal, and one as optimal. It is also noteworthy that the majority of Iranian and Iraqi citizens share a common religion, namely Shia Islam. The religious seminaries, or hawzas, located in the religious cities of Qom in Iran and Najaf in Iraq serve as centers of Shiite education; however, they have developed within two distinct and competing traditions. This factor presents an opportunity for potential improvement in the situation.

Mrs Reyhane Salehabadi, Dr Mohammadreza Hafez Nia,
Volume 25, Issue 78 (9-2025)
Abstract

Following the victory of the Islamic Revolution, a new perspective on science and technology emerged in Iran. This scientific discourse was profoundly shaped by the principles of the Islamic Revolution and Islamic ideology, leading to the establishment of new values and objectives for the advancement of science and technology. In the post-revolutionary era, as policymakers recognized science and technology as pivotal drivers of societal progress and excellence, they devised scientific policies and strategies aimed at achieving revolutionary and Islamic ideals. This evolving attitude toward science and technology significantly influenced Iran’s scientific and technological development during this period. Given that the Islamic Republic of Iran has assumed a leading role in scientific leadership within the region since 1979, its contributions to the development of scientific capabilities under successive post-revolution governments are noteworthy. To explore this, a descriptive-analytical approach was employed, utilizing reliable data from both domestic and international sources. The research findings indicate that the prevailing discourse in different governmental periods included a focus on industrialization through import substitution and capital resource allocation (1981–1989), modernization and institutional development with an emphasis on advanced technologies (1989–1997), the promotion of advanced technologies, innovation, export expansion, and social justice centered on knowledge-based industries (1997–2005), the transition toward knowledge-based innovation in the economy (2005–2013), and the enhancement of international cooperation with an emphasis on identity and rationality in policy formulation and implementation (2013–2021). The results demonstrate that, in each phase, measures such as the expansion of higher education and scientific research, the establishment of universities and research centers, and the creation of domestic and international scientific networks were implemented in alignment with the dominant discourse. 

Hamid Dorj, Reza Simbar, Ahmad Ansiz,
Volume 25, Issue 78 (9-2025)
Abstract

As China's economic, technological, and military power continues to rise, the United States has grown increasingly concerned about Beijing's expanding influence. Washington perceives China's regional ascendancy as a challenge to its hegemonic ambitions. China's growing military capabilities and political influence in East Asia have sparked concern and suspicion among some of its neighbors and the United States. In response, the U.S. has maintained an active presence in the region, citing reasons such as countering China's rise and supporting freedom of navigation. Washington's efforts to challenge China's maritime sovereignty reflect its broader concerns about China's rise and its determination to maintain hegemony in the Asia-Pacific region. This has led the United States to attempt to create a strategic encirclement against China, aiming to contain its regional influence and prevent a shift in the balance of power in East Asia that could disadvantage Washington. The research question addressed in this study is: What strategy does the United States employ to contain China's power in the South China Sea? The proposed hypothesis is that, given China's economic growth and the expansion of its maritime power are perceived as strategic threats to the region and the United States, Washington seeks to prevent China from becoming a regional hegemon in East Asia. By countering China's rise, the U.S. aims to shape the balance of power in favor of itself and its regional allies, thereby securing its goals and interests in the region. This study employs a descriptive-analytical method to examine how the U.S. strategy of containing China's power and isolating it regionally contributes to maintaining the balance of power in East Asia, while advancing the influence and interests of the United States and its allies. 

Dr Samira Motaghi, Dr. Hani Jaber Mohsen Obaid Al-Masoudi, Ms Parisa Ghorbani Sepehr,
Volume 25, Issue 79 (12-2025)
Abstract

In the domain of spatial planning for border areas, it is imperative to adopt a macro-perspective view of geography to effectively identify the potentialities, capabilities, and limitations inherent to these regions. This approach aims to mitigate tensions and challenges arising from unbalanced development, deprivation, and spatial heterogeneity. The research methodology employed in this study is applied in purpose, utilizing a descriptive-analytical approach in terms of method. Specifically, a combination of multi-criteria decision-making techniques, including the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and the Shannon entropy coefficient, has been utilized to evaluate the distribution and development of spatial development indicators within the health service sectors of Kurdistan Province. The border cities of this province have been classified according to their levels of these indicators. The central research question of this study is: What is the state of the cities in Kurdistan Province concerning the spatial distribution of health and service indicators? Preliminary findings suggest that the level of access to health services in each of the border cities in Kurdistan Province does not meet the desired standards. The results indicate that, despite its strategic geopolitical significance, Kurdistan Province remains one of the most deprived regions in the country. Furthermore, there exists a notable imbalance and heterogeneity in the distribution and development of facilities and indicators across the border cities of the province. An analysis of 13 indicators pertaining to spatial organization across four border cities reveals that Saqez and Baneh are classified within the semi-privileged (semi-deprived) group, while Marivan and Sarvabad fall within the deprived category. Consequently, the findings underscore that the spatial organization in the border cities of Kurdistan Province is markedly heterogeneous, positioning these cities at a middle to lower level in terms of health service development. It is essential to afford particular attention to this border province to ensure the enduring security and well-being of its citizens.

Ahmad Rashidi Nejad, Mostafa Fallahi, Ma Azam Arefi,
Volume 25, Issue 79 (12-2025)
Abstract

Water scarcity is widely regarded as a fundamental contributor to underdevelopment and poverty, significantly influencing individuals' and societies' perceptions of deprivation. This study seeks to elucidate the relationship between the "feeling of relative deprivation" and "hydropolitical relations," particularly in the context of the Gauvshomar Dam construction process in Lorestan Province. The primary research question addresses how the absence of dam construction impacts the development of a sense of relative deprivation among local populations. Employing a descriptive-analytical research methodology, this study adopts both quantitative and qualitative approaches, utilizing documentary and library research alongside field observations. A questionnaire serves as the primary measurement tool, with SPSS employed for data analysis. The research indicators encompass economic, social, cultural, environmental-physical, and political-security dimensions. Findings indicate that the lack of dam construction has exacerbated feelings of relative deprivation across these dimensions, contributing to a general sense of dissatisfaction among the residents of the study area.
 
Salman Kazemian Souraki , Fereshteh Nasrollahi, Amin Deilami Moazzi,
Volume 25, Issue 79 (12-2025)
Abstract

Shia political Islam, centered around Iran, is a complex and dynamic phenomenon that has undergone numerous transformations in recent decades. Understanding the future trends of this intellectual and political movement is of great importance to analysts, politicians, and the general public. This article employs a futures studies approach to examine the trends of Shia political Islam within Iran's political geography. This foresight approach allows us to look beyond the current situation and outline various scenarios for the future of politics and society in Iran. The methodology of this research is descriptive-analytical, utilizing library and documentary sources, including qualitative and quantitative analysis of historical data, expert interviews, and content analysis of media and religious texts. The research findings indicate that Shia political Islam in Iran's geography is undergoing a period of transformation, influenced by various factors such as demographic changes, social and economic developments, and geopolitical shifts. Several potential scenarios for the future of Shia political Islam in Iran's political geography are presented, including: the Continuity Scenario, the Reform Scenario, the Radicalism Scenario, and the Secularism Scenario. Considering these scenarios, the analysis of probable trends and events in the scenarios, and political and security developments with a view to challenges and opportunities in the Middle East region, the Islamic Republic of Iran, adhering to the Continuity Scenario along with the Reform Scenario, aims to strengthen republicanism (religious democracy) while emphasizing the preservation of independence and indigenous Islamic identity in the region, and to have a more prominent presence in the Middle East.
 
Mr Framarz Nik, Phd Ata Aleh Abdi, Phd Hossen Rabei, Phd Hasan Rabei,
Volume 25, Issue 79 (12-2025)
Abstract

This study aims to identify the determinants influencing the political spatial organization of Alborz province. Employing a descriptive-analytical approach, this research utilizes qualitative data derived from library investigations and field studies. The methodology encompasses authentic document analysis and expert interviews to identify and examine factors affecting political spatial organization in Alborz province through grand theory application. Analysis revealed that determinants influencing political spatial organization in Alborz province encompass 50 contextual factors, 22 causal factors, 55 strategic factors, and 56 consequences. Predominant contextual factors include justice, social equity assurance, citizenship rights, national spatial political management, appointment of political administrators in divisional units, government-public communication, responsibility emphasis, and accurate recognition. Societal culture and geographic positioning represent primary causal factors, while strategic insight and educational-research strategy formulation constitute essential strategies. Administrative, military-security, and economic factors emerge as consequential elements impacting political spatial organization in Alborz province. The provincial state system operates as an open system, wherein constituent elements exhibit synergistic relationships and demonstrate temporal enhancement potential. Researchers synthesized findings into a comprehensive model demonstrating that optimal factor utilization within the system facilitates success, whereas inadequate implementation results in systemic failure within Alborz province's state management framework.

Mrs Reyhaneh Agharajabi, Dr Mohammadreza Rasouli, Dr Seyed Mahmoud Nejati Hoseini,
Volume 25, Issue 79 (12-2025)
Abstract

This study explores the cultural geography and styles of religiosity among Iranian users on Instagram, with a particular focus on how virtual spaces shape religious expression. Adopting an inductive approach, the research utilizes netnography (online ethnography) as a qualitative method. Instagram pages with religious content and significant follower counts—managed by influential figures in the religious sphere—were selected as the study sample. In total, 14 Instagram pages representing diverse religious orientations were analyzed. The posts, comments, and other published content on these pages served as the units of analysis, and data coding was conducted using MaxQDA software.  Findings revealed that after the ritual dimension, the moral dimension was the most frequently recurring theme. Through analysis, nine distinct types of religiosity were identified among users, highlighting the influence of virtual geography on religious behavior and perceptions. Each user embodied a unique form of religiosity within the "soft cities" of the digital space, shaped by their environmental context and accumulated spatial experiences within the religious marketplace of Instagram. Among the dominant types were ritualistic religiosity, characterized by an emphasis on practices and ceremonies, and traditionalist religiosity, which aligns closely with official religious discourse. Other identified forms included rational, self-referential, epistemic, mystical, mixed, emotional, and fundamentalist religiosity. These categories reflect the pluralism of religious identities, values, and behaviors in Iranian society as manifested in cyberspace. Ultimately, the study underscores the profound impact of virtual cultural geography on contemporary religious culture and its diverse manifestations in digital environments.


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