YEREVAN, Armenia — The American University of Armenia is pleased to announce a new publication by Dr. Alen Shadunts, adjunct lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The article was published in Central Asian Survey, a leading peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary journal dedicated to the history, politics, cultures, religions, and economies of the Central Asian and Caucasian regions.
The article, titled “Iran, the post-Soviet moment, and visions of regionalism, 1989–1997,” examines Iran’s efforts to redefine its role in Central Asia and the South Caucasus following the collapse of the Soviet Union. It argues that Iranian foreign policy was shaped by competing visions of regionalism: on the one hand, Tehran sought recognition as a constructive regional actor capable of contributing to regional cooperation, while on the other, it promoted a vision of regional autonomy centered on limiting Western influence. Through an analysis of Iran’s policies toward the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and the Caspian Sea, the article demonstrates that Iran oscillated between these objectives, resulting in inconsistent messaging that ultimately weakened its effectiveness and influence in regional affairs.
Reflecting on the publication, Dr. Shadunts said, “This is the latest in a series of articles that explore indeterminacy in Iranian foreign affairs (the other two were published in the Global Studies Quarterly and the Middle East Critique). I hope it helps to demonstrate how the Islamic Republic faces a persistent challenge in devising a coherent policy toward its northern neighbors. Once the war in the United States comes to an end and Iran tries to reestablish its role in regional affairs, this issue will become more apparent.”
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.