The globalization of the economy and international relations has made securing national interests depend more than ever on expanding and strengthening international cooperation. This necessity is felt more in the case of countries such as Iran, which enjoy a privileged geopolitical and geoeconomic position. The present study, based on the theoretical basis of the macro theories of international relations and reviewing the conceptual approaches of realism, liberalism, structuralism and criticism, seeks to explain the conceptual and theoretical arrangements that have delayed the development of strategic cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and other countries at the international level. This article raises the question of what are the obstacles to strategic cooperation in Iran's foreign policy? With a theoretical approach and explanatory method, it has been concluded that the lack of common horizons in the representation of security threats, the rupture in economic interaction infrastructures, the difference and conflict of identity and ideology with other actors in the international system, and the non-discursive and deconstructive nature of Iran's foreign policy towards the established order have led to the formation of a kind of continuous geopolitical isolation and chronic strategic divergence. This situation has not only kept Iran away from the contexts of cooperation within the framework of classical and institutional alliance-building, but has also strengthened the reproduction of a kind of strategic self-sufficiency as an alternative arising from the historicity of resistance to the hegemonic logic of the West. Accordingly, Iran's foreign policy is redefined in a system of structural and conceptual conflicts that have presented the path of any strategic cooperation in the context of the contemporary international order with serious challenges.
Keywords: Strategic Cooperation, Foreign Policy, Iran, International Relations Theories, Geopolitics
 
Extended Abstract
In the current international system, where the issues of a country are rapidly becoming international issues and no country can face challenges alone, cooperation between countries is not only a calculated choice but also an inevitable necessity. This cooperation, which can occur in a reciprocal (bilateral) or multilateral (involving more than two countries) form, plays a crucial role in shaping the international system, the transfer of power, and the promotion or erosion of regional and global security. Therefore, understanding this phenomenon and its role in international relations is crucial. In this framework, international cooperation is not only introduced as an effective strategy in dealing with global challenges, but also cooperation between countries is considered as a fundamental factor for the continuation of the international order, conflict resolution, economic interactions, and the establishment of sustainable development and a necessity for promoting a stable and secure future of the world. The continuation of cooperation between two or more countries to achieve a common goal within a specific period leads to the formation of an alliance between countries. The alliance of countries is a vast and multilateral phenomenon that has occurred abundantly throughout history. In proportion to changes in international dynamics, the concept, nature, and structure of the alliance also change. A clear example is the change in the meaning and nature of the alliance during the Cold War and the current period (globalization). During the Cold War and the era of globalization, the interpretation and meaning of alliances shifted from a regulatory and military dimension to a multilateral and geostrategic one. This change indicates a transition from the traditional model of alliance towards variable and unstable cooperation. Instead of dividing the world into two opposing blocs, these alliances shifted towards cooperation to address common global challenges, leading to the formation of new alliances and cooperation in various fields, including trade, global security, and the resolution of shared global problems.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is among the countries that, despite observing these developments, continues to insist on using traditional alliances based on a security approach to strengthen its international position and expand its norms and perspective in the global arena. Iran's relations with countries during the Cold War were complex and influenced by global developments, as well as by political and military tensions and events. With the victory of the Islamic Revolution and a decade after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Iran's foreign policy underwent significant changes from the perspective of countries seeking alliance and cooperation. During this period, alliances with countries sharing similar ideologies and partnerships with countries such as Russia and China became key criteria for decision-making in foreign policy, serving as a strategy to counter the adverse effects of sanctions, international pressure, and the influence of the United States. This research aims to critique and analyze the obstacles to strategic cooperation in achieving the country's national goals, drawing on the experiences and challenges of Iran's foreign policy, and to examine the necessities and challenges of Iran's strategic cooperation with the outside world through case studies.
The present study, based on the theoretical foundations of the major theories of international relations and the reinterpretation of the conceptual approaches of realism, liberalism, constructivism, and criticism, seeks to explain the conceptual and theoretical arrangements that have delayed the development and deepening of strategic cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and other countries at the international level. By posing the question of what are the obstacles to strategic cooperation in Iran's foreign policy, this article has concluded with a theoretical approach and explanatory method that the lack of common horizons in the representation of security threats, the rupture in economic interaction infrastructures, the difference and conflict of identity and ideology with other actors in the international system, and the non-discursive and deconstructive nature of Iran's foreign policy towards the established order have led to the formation of a kind of continuous geopolitical isolation and chronic strategic divergence. This situation has not only kept Iran away from the classical and institutional contexts of alliance-building, but has also reinforced the reproduction of a kind of strategic self-sufficiency as an alternative, arising from the historicity of resistance to the hegemonic logic of the West. Accordingly, Iran's foreign policy is redefined in a system of structural and conceptual conflicts that have presented a path to any strategic cooperation in the context of the contemporary international order, with serious challenges.
The present study, based on multi-paradigm analyses and the macro theories of international relations, especially the theories of Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, and Critical theory, emphasizes the need to rethink the fundamental principles of strategic cooperation and the challenges of its development at the international level. This study demonstrates that strategic cooperation in the international system cannot be analyzed solely from the perspective of rationality and objective interests, but also depends on relevant semantic, identity, and discursive structures. From the perspective of realism theory, the lack of a common threat is a fundamental issue, as it is a basic condition for the formation of strategic alliances, especially in Iran's relations with other powers. Realists emphasize that common threats are the driving force of strategic alliances and convergences. However, due to its independent and revisionist foreign policy, as well as its specific geopolitical position, Iran is unable to synergize security threats with other international and regional actors effectively. The Islamic Republic of Iran perceives its security threats differently from other countries, and this difference in threat perception reduces the possibility of forming strategic convergences with other countries. Therefore, the absence of a common threat is a significant obstacle to the formation of strategic alliances.
From the perspective of liberalism, economic interdependence can provide a suitable platform for strategic cooperation. This economic interdependence leads not only to trade cooperation, but it can also strengthen political and security ties between countries. In this context, Iran faces serious challenges. The Iranian economy, which relies primarily on hydrocarbon resources and is significantly impacted by extensive international sanctions, has struggled to integrate effectively into the global economy's networks. This lack of economic integration not only reduces material incentives for cooperation but also significantly weakens the platforms for political convergence. Within the framework of constructivist theory, Iran's different and sometimes contradictory identities and norms with other countries are identified as a fundamental obstacle to strategic cooperation. By emphasizing its revolutionary identity, which stems from Islamic principles and resistance to Western hegemony, Iran is experiencing identity conflicts with other countries, especially Western powers and some regional countries. This identity conflict directly impacts trust and strategic cooperation, severely limiting the possibility of sustainable convergence. Finally, from the perspective of critical approaches, Iran's opposition to the existing international order, which is mainly under the hegemony of the United States and the global neoliberal system, is presented as a normative and ideological obstacle to strategic cooperation. As a revisionist actor, Iran has built its legitimacy on the discourse of opposing Western hegemony and supporting resistance movements in the region. This critical approach not only prevents Iran from convergence with extraordinary powers; it also strengthens ideological and normative gaps, which ultimately weaken Iran's ability to create sustainable alliances.
According to the findings of this research, to facilitate and accelerate the processes of strategic cooperation in Iran, it is necessary to put a set of structural, economic, identity, and political solutions on the agenda.
First, Iran must fundamentally redefine and revise its security concepts, redefining threats in a manner that facilitates strategic cooperation in standard formats with other countries, especially at the regional and global levels. This revision should encompass military, economic, environmental, and cyber threats and be considered a common framework for strategic cooperation with other countries.
Second, Iran must focus on strengthening its economic relations with various countries, particularly in areas beyond oil and energy. These efforts can be carried out through diversification of trade bases and development of production and industrial capacities within the country. This action will not only strengthen Iran's economic ties with various countries but also facilitate platforms for political and security cooperation at the global level.
Third, at the identity level, Iran must emphasize strengthening its soft power and promoting balanced and fair narratives of its cultural and civilizational identity in the global arena. This measure can foster mutual trust and sustainable convergence across various fields by mitigating identity and cultural conflicts.
Fourth, designing and implementing multi-layered and comprehensive diplomatic strategies that can respond to security, economic, and political needs at various levels is one of the most important measures to facilitate Iran's strategic cooperation with other countries. These strategies should be designed and implemented based on creating common agreements that are compatible with mutual interests, even with countries with different identities and goals.