Document Type : Original Independent Original Article
Highlights
Introdction
The examination of the changing global order is a key focus for theorists of international relations and the international system. The transfer of power can have significant implications for countries worldwide. The history of the international system demonstrates that although a Western-aligned order was established after the First and Second World Wars, contemporary criticisms and challenges indicate a transfer of power across economic, political, and cultural spheres. In the past two decades, China has witnessed swifter growth in economic indicators than America, even amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. The United States' hegemonic policy in West Asia has suffered setbacks following the conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria; these developments represent significant costs for both US hegemony and its regional partners. Over the last two decades, Iran has successfully confronted American hegemony on various fronts, including military and ideological confrontations, despite facing maximum pressure from American and Western sanctions. Although Iran and China share a common approach to containing, reducing or confronting American hegemony, there remain questions over the differences between the two countries in the international power transition process. The purpose of this research is to compare the approaches of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the People's Republic of China regarding the international order and power transfer, in contrast to the status quo. To evaluate these approaches, this article employs three concepts: "idea," "resources," and "institution."
Methodology
The article employed a comparative research method, collecting information from primary and secondary sources.
Results and Discussion
The research found that Iran and China have both achieved revisionism in the international system, with successful implementation of the three variables of ideas, resources, and institutions.
In the sphere of ideas, Iran focuses on the current global order within the context of Islamic and Shiite principles. Their approach is characterised as "ideological", "cultural", and "meaning-oriented". On the other hand, China's ideological foundation is based on Chinese Marxism and a pragmatic interpretation of orthodox Marxism. This has resulted in the formation of a behavioural blueprint aimed at achieving the Chinese dream of a great revival of the Chinese people.
In terms of material resources for development, including human resources, military forces, geography, economy, and natural resources, Iran has the potential to play a significant role both regionally and beyond. China, as well, has made major strides in consolidating power, with the Belt and Road Initiative enabling it to control 40% of global trade, 75% of energy reserves, and a third of global GDP. Unlike Iran, which lacks a systematic approach to institution building and at times exhibits weakness in certain regional organisations, China has been able to exert significant influence at a global level through the creation of the BRICS Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Bank, the Silk Fund, the Shanghai Organisation and cooperative initiatives.
Conclusion
Hegemony is a malleable "regime" whereby powers exchange old components for novel, more desirable ones using a method expounded upon in this paper. This article notes that while China and Iran share similar historical experiences following the collapse of empires and dynasties, the People's Republic of China has attempted to suppress the negative memories of past centuries, which resulted in China's isolation and diminished role in global politics. Consequently, China has implemented a new strategy to achieve its ambitious objectives in the international arena. Contrary to some similarities, the approaches of Iran and China towards global issues today are evidently different. Iran has prioritised the idea of fundamental changes in the international system, whereas China has created the desired world order in a slow and gradual way through diplomatic efforts, strengthening of international relations, development of a network of activities, and attracting foreign investments. The article demonstrates that Iran's stance towards changes in the transfer of power in the international order is primarily ideology-focused, while China considers a triad approach involving resources, institutions and ideology for a peaceful transition of the current system. The emphasis is on achieving the desired order. The research findings revealed that China has weakened American hegemony through practical multilateral initiatives like the "Beijing Consensus Idea," "Belt and Road Initiative," and institution building, e.g., BRICS Bank, Asian Infrastructure Bank, Silk Road Fund, Shanghai Cooperation Organization. By designing comprehensive regional economic partnerships and pooling resources, China has effectively weakened American domination. However, Iran's endeavours to weaken American hegemony have been mostly in the realm of verbal actions and ideas, and the country has not been able to take concrete actions towards achieving this goal. The text shows China's commitment to the liberal order and its status as a prominent nation due to its consistent GDP growth, commercial interactions, banking resources, and global production and exports. Along with seeking institutional order and claiming their portion from global institutions, the Chinese strive to enhance their standing as a world superpower. Today, China's stance on the world order is taking on a growingly objective and critical tone. Meanwhile, the Islamic Republic of Iran could benefit from a greater focus on institutionalization, resource allocation, and idea generation to enhance its regional influence and facilitate power transfer. Examining the accomplishments of the Islamic Republic of Iran's foreign policy illustrates that while some ideas have progressed regionally, current international obstacles impede Iran from achieving its high-level objectives. The nuclear program has prompted numerous countries to limit their relations and investments in Iran following the United Nations Security Council's resolutions. The article suggests that, similar to China, the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran should strive to exploit resources and engage in international institutions in order to attain its foreign policy objectives. The recommendation put forth by this article for Iran's foreign policy is to generate "strategic opportunities" whilst steering clear of subjective evaluations. To prevent fleeting concerns from taking priority over greater ideological considerations, which is namely the preservation of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
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