International Studies Journal (ISJ)

International Studies Journal (ISJ)

Analyzing Determinate Factors Affecting the Relations Between Islamic Republic of Iran and European Union (1979-2022) from the view point of discourse theory

Document Type : Original Independent Original Article

Authors
Mohammad Amin Ahmadi 1
Rooholamin Saeidi 2
1 Master student in Islamic Studies and Political Science, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Political Science, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, Faculty of Islamic Knowledge and Political Science, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
10.22034/isj.2025.497922.2273
Abstract
Talking about the history of relations between European countries and Iran dates back to the Safavid era. Almost from the beginning of the relations between Iran and Europe, the importance of dealing with a country with the geographical coordinates of Iran became apparent to all European leaders; This unparalleled importance led to a countless European departures toward Iran over the years and the history of Iran witnessed the presence and influence of European forces. The hypothesis of this article is that After the Islamic Revolution, the relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Europe have undergone significant changes, and the logic governing Iran-Europe relations has completely changed. In fact, it seems following the Islamic Revolution, the relationship between theses actors, entered a state where even changes in governments and policymakers, the occurrence of various influential events, and efforts by both sides to improve relations, did not lead to continual progress. This indicates the presence of a fundamental factor in Iran-Europe relations that has consistently weakened their interactions over the years.

But What is this fundamental factor that transcends all changes and influences their relationship? By employing discourse analysis methodology, The findings of this article suggest that the primary factor affecting the improvement or deterioration of Iran-Europe relations is the different and often conflicting discourses of these international actors; which serves as the main structural element shaping their interactions. This basis factor, brings two additional categories of factors—domestic and external ones—that play a secondary role in shaping Iran-Europe relations.
Keywords
Islamic republic of Iran
Iran-EU relations
Iranian Revolution
European union
discourse analysis
internal and external factors
Subjects
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