Ummah-ism and the Foreign Policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran: A Study of Key Ideological Concepts

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD student in Political Science, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch, Mashhad, Iran

2 Assistant professor, Department of Political Science, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran.

10.22084/rjir.2025.31445.3956

Abstract

Objective: The idea of Ummah-ism, as one of the key foundations in the intellectual system of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has played an effective role in shaping the country's foreign policy. This article aims to analyze and explain the impact of the concepts of Umm al- Qura, Unity-seeking, Denial of Dominance, and Exporting Revolution within the framework of Ummah-ism thought, examines the relationship between political theory and practice in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic. The main question is how the idea of Ummah-ism has shaped the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran through these concepts. The research hypothesis is that this idea, especially the concept of Umm al- Qura, has led to the adoption of a transnational and ideological approach in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Research Methodology: The methodology of this research is descriptive-analytical, and the theoretical foundations and practical examples of the concepts in question were examined using library resources.

Findings: The findings show that Iran's foreign policy, within the framework of the idea of of Ummah-ism, rather than focusing solely on national interests, it has been shaped around the centrality of achieving Islamic unity, combating arrogance, and exporting the values of the Islamic Revolution. This has led Iran to adopt a transnational and ideological approach in the international arena, which has brought opportunities and challenges to its political and diplomatic interactions.

Conclusion: The practical results of the research show that the idea of Ummah-ism has caused the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic to actively support Islamic movements and develop regional influence with a transnational and ideological approach.

Keywords

References

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Volume 15, Issue 56 - Serial Number 56
November 2025
Pages 141-162

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