Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides useful tools and information relating to Iranian foreign policy. It focuses on Pahlavi era, namely the rule of the Pahlavi dynasty between 1925–1979. It details the issues relating to ideological and institutional aspects of the Iranian foreign policy after 1979. The book then analyses the main ideological determinants, like Shi’ism and Khomeinism. It also presents the main internal entities involved in the foreign policy decision-making process. The book discusses the main objectives of the post-revolutionary foreign policy of Iran. It then focuses on eight cases which best present both regional and global dimensions of the contemporary Iranian foreign policy. The contemporary foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is multidimensional. Undoubtedly, its main aim is to ensure the survival of the theocratic regime as well as a sustainable growth.