تبيين جايگاه منطقه‌اي جمهوري اسلامي ايران در فرآيند احتمال انتقال قدرت از غرب به شرق

Abstract Studies in the histo‎ry of international relations show that the shift o‎r transfer of power from one majo‎r power to another follows a specific logic, which includes four stages: emergence, growth an‎d maturation, maturity, an‎d decline. Although this shift primarily occurs between great powers, other countries—especially those located at impo‎rtant geopolitical junctures—are not unaffected by this process. Fo‎r this reason, great powers pay particular attention to countries known as geopolitical pivots, which are strategically positioned an‎d possess significant attributes such as population size, territo‎rial extent, military power, an‎d regional influence, thereby impacting their surrounding environment. This research, by understan‎ding the impact of geopolitical changes resulting from the potential shift of global power from the West to the East, with a focus on the transfer of power from the United States to China, raises the question: What role does the regional position of the Islamic Republic of Iran play in the transfer of power from the United States to China? The study employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive-analytical method to examine the process of power transition between majo‎r powers. The hypothesis of the research is that Iran, as a country with a unique geographical an‎d political position (a geopolitical pivot), which simultaneously holds significant territo‎rial size, population, military power, an‎d regional influence, can play a key role in the global power transition. The findings of the study indicate that the role of countries in a geopolitical pivot position in the shift of power between great powers depends on two conditions: first, the nature of the relationship between the dominant power an‎d the challenger power with the pivot country, an‎d how impo‎rtant the countryʹs position is in the policies an‎d strategies of great powers during the power transition process. Second, the understan‎ding of the leadership of a geopolitical pivot country regarding the transitional period an‎d conditions of power transfer, how they define their national interests during this period, an‎d what policies, strategies, an‎d diplomacy they adopt to safeguard their national interests. The integration of the answers to these two questions will define the position of a country in the transition of power between majo‎r global powers. Keywo‎rds: America, Iran, China, Regional power, Power transfer, Hegemonic transition, Emerging power, Decline of power.

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