Identity Discourse Analysis in Foreign Policymaking; A Comparison of Iran and Turkey in the Syrian Crisis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 دانشیار دانشگاه تهران

2 پژوهشگر ،گروه کشمکش و همکاری در خاورمیانه،مرکز پژوهش های علمی و مطالعات استراتژیک خاورمیانه،تهران ،ایران

10.22126/mps.2025.12210.1065

Abstract

With the rise of the Assad regime in Syria, the issue of identity has gained significant importance. Alongside this, the presence of Iran and Turkey as two ideologically driven, conflict-oriented actors in the region has further highlighted the role of identity in shaping political conflicts in Mesopotamia. Given these developments, the central research question of this study can be framed as follows: “How have identity-related factors influenced the competition between Iran and Turkey in the Syrian crisis?” This research aims to analyze the impact of ideological and ethno-religious identities on the foreign policies of Iran and Turkey toward Syria, while also examining how this rivalry has affected the security and geopolitical structure of the Mesopotamian region. Using a qualitative research methodology, the authors seek to test the hypothesis that “the clash between the identities constructs of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Turkey has been a significant factor in intensifying competition and increasing instability in Syria and the broader region.” The study concludes that identity-based factors have played a crucial and compelling role in shaping the behavior and foreign policies of Iran and Turkey in the Syrian crisis. Contrary to analyses that focus solely on geopolitical or economic interests, this research demonstrates that ideological, religious, and historical identities have fundamentally shaped the perceptual frameworks of decision-makers in both countries, significantly influencing their strategic choices and alliances. Turkey, drawing on its Sunni identity and neo-Ottoman aspirations, has supported Sunni opposition groups against the Assad government, while Iran, with its Shi’a-oriented approach and discourse of resistance, has backed the Assad regime and its allied forces.

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 22 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 03 June 2025
  • Accept Date: 03 June 2025

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