Iran's Soft Power
Influence Across the Globe
1st Edition
Will be published approx. on 3. July 2026
274 pages
978-1-040-76471-8 (ISBN)
Description
Iran's Soft Power: Influence Across the Globe provides a timely and comprehensive analysis of how the Islamic Republic has projected its influence through cultural, ideological and humanitarian means across key regions of the Global South.
Focusing on the Middle East, Latin America and Africa, this book offers an in-depth examination of Iran's soft power strategies, including the promotion of religious and political ideology, educational and humanitarian outreach and the use of cultural diplomacy. Drawing on recent examples, it explores how Iranian institutions - such as cultural centres, media outlets and religious networks - have worked to extend Tehran's global presence beyond traditional military or economic power. The book also addresses the structural limits and geopolitical challenges that constrain Iran's soft power, offering a nuanced assessment of its reach across different socio-political contexts.
This volume will be of interest to students and scholars of international relations, Middle East studies and global politics, as well as policymakers and analysts seeking to understand Iran's evolving role in international affairs through the lens of soft power.
Focusing on the Middle East, Latin America and Africa, this book offers an in-depth examination of Iran's soft power strategies, including the promotion of religious and political ideology, educational and humanitarian outreach and the use of cultural diplomacy. Drawing on recent examples, it explores how Iranian institutions - such as cultural centres, media outlets and religious networks - have worked to extend Tehran's global presence beyond traditional military or economic power. The book also addresses the structural limits and geopolitical challenges that constrain Iran's soft power, offering a nuanced assessment of its reach across different socio-political contexts.
This volume will be of interest to students and scholars of international relations, Middle East studies and global politics, as well as policymakers and analysts seeking to understand Iran's evolving role in international affairs through the lens of soft power.
Reviews / Votes
"Iran's Soft Power by Ali Akbar is a timely and comprehensive exploration of how the Islamic Republic has strategically projected influence far beyond its borders. By examining Iran's cultural, ideological, and humanitarian engagement across the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, the book offers valuable insights into Tehran's evolving foreign policy toolkit. It stands out as an essential resource for scholars, policymakers, and readers seeking to understand the global dimensions of Iranian soft power in an era of geopolitical competition."Alam Saleh, Senior Lecturer in International Relations, Australian National University.
"In this wide-ranging, rigorously researched book, Akbar offers the most up to date assessment of Iranian soft power and the ways in which this is operationalised globally. A book-length treatment of this crucial, and yet still comparatively underexplored aspect of Iran's global soft power outreach, is well overdue. Rich in empirical detail and conceptual insight, this book will be essential reading, not only for those interested in Iranian soft power but for scholars and students researching Iranian foreign policy and its interactions with the world more broadly."
Edward Wastnidge, Senior Lecturer and Head of Politics and International Studies at the Open University, specializing in Middle Eastern politics and contemporary Iranian foreign policy.
More details
Edition
1. Auflage
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
File size
3,21 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-040-76471-8 (9781040764718)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
approx. 07/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€50.00
Not yet published
Book
approx. 07/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€191.50
Not yet published
Person
Ali Akbar is a researcher and lecturer at the University of Melbourne in Australia, where he received his PhD in Islamic studies. He is an expert in the field of Islamic studies with a focus on contemporary Islamic thought and Middle Eastern politics as well as Iranian politics. He has taught courses in Islamic studies, international relations and Middle East politics. He is the author of several books and more than 40 articles in top-tier journals.
Content
Contents
Acknowledgements
Introduction: Topic, Methodology and Background Studies
Chapter 1. Soft Power: Theories, Approaches and Its Importance in International Relations
Chapter 2. Iran's Soft Power in a Broader Context
Chapter 3. Iran's Soft Power in the Middle East
Chapter 4. Iran's Soft Power in Latin America: The Case of Venezuela
Chapter 5. Iran's Soft Power in Africa
Chapter 6. The Problems and Challenges Facing Iran's Soft Power
Conclusion
Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Introduction: Topic, Methodology and Background Studies
Chapter 1. Soft Power: Theories, Approaches and Its Importance in International Relations
Chapter 2. Iran's Soft Power in a Broader Context
Chapter 3. Iran's Soft Power in the Middle East
Chapter 4. Iran's Soft Power in Latin America: The Case of Venezuela
Chapter 5. Iran's Soft Power in Africa
Chapter 6. The Problems and Challenges Facing Iran's Soft Power
Conclusion
Bibliography
