Iran's search for ontological security on the basis of the axis of resistance

This study has sought an answer as to why the Islamic Republic of Iran insists on the Axis of Resistance policy. The Axis of Resistance is the fundamental and decisive paradigm for the Islamic Republic of Iran. The way to understand the domestic and foreign policy orientations of the Islamic Republic is to grasp the true nature of the Axis of Resistance. Studies dealing with the Axis of Resistance generally included material facts or ideological factors. This study is aimed to present a perspective beyond traditional approaches regarding the nature of the Axis of Resistance through an ontological security approach. In this respect, it has been argued that the pursuit of ontological security, as well as the pursuit of physical security and ideological motives, have an important place in the Axis of Resistance policy of the Islamic Republic. Goals such as overcoming identity concerns, creating biographical narratives and basic routines, providing legitimacy and fulfilling emotional obligations are essential in Iran's Axis of Resistance policy. On the other hand, as shown in detail in the study, the Axis of Resistance has brought costs that exceed Iran's capacity and cannot easily compensate. In this sense, it would be more accurate to see the Axis of Resistance policy as a rigid routine pattern rather than a strategic and sustainable policy outcome for Iran. On the other hand, the search for ontological security and the existential meaning ascribed to the Resistance Axis play a significant role in Iran's pursuit of the Resistance paradigm despite all its costs. In the study methodologically, document and discourse analysis methods were adopted and quantitative and predominantly qualitative data were used.