Iran's foreign policy and Shia geopolitics: Iran's religious policies toward Azerbaijan

This thesis examines how Shia Islam has been used as a tool in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its impact on relations with Azerbaijan. Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran aimed to increase its regional influence by utilizing Shia Islam as a unifying force in both domestic and foreign policy. Despite having a Shia population, Azerbaijan is a secular state that adopted a pro-Western foreign policy after gaining independence, leading to tensions between the two countries. Notably, Azerbaijan's collaboration with Israel is perceived by Iran as a security threat. Iran's efforts to influence the Shia population in Azerbaijan through religious and cultural activities are regarded by Azerbaijan as a national security challenge. Based on a literature review and document analysis, this study thoroughly examines the historical and religious ties between Iran and Azerbaijan and analyzes how Iran has employed Shia Islam in its foreign policy. The findings reveal that while Iran actively seeks to leverage religious ideology as a foreign policy tool, Azerbaijan remains resolute in preserving its secular state structure. In particular, Azerbaijan's strict control over foreign religious and ideological elements poses a significant obstacle to Iran's efforts to expand its influence through Shia Islam within Azerbaijan. In this context, the study provides valuable insights into the complexities of relations between the two countries in terms of regional power dynamics and international relations, as well as the political implications of religious ideologies. Keywords: Foreign Policy of Iran, Azerbaijan, Religion, Shiism