Evaluation of Iran's foreign policy and soft power policies towards Azerbaijan from a constructivist perspective

The research was conducted to describe Iran's foreign policy towards Azerbaijan in terms of "principles and practices" and its soft power policies in terms of "goals and means". In addition, Iran's foreign policy and soft power policies towards Azerbaijan were evaluated from a constructivist perspective that emphasizes principles and norms. In addition, the interaction between Iran's foreign policy towards Azerbaijan and its soft power policies was examined. The period after Azerbaijan's independence in 1991 was taken as the basis for the research. Iran's foreign policy towards Azerbaijan was examined through areas of conflict and cooperation in Iran-Azerbaijan relations. Iran's aim to export the regime by supporting religious groups in Azerbaijan and the South Azerbaijan issue were determined as the main areas of conflict. In addition, Iran's changing approaches to the Nagorno-Karabakh issue and Azerbaijan's relations with Israel also caused tensions. Despite this, elements such as cooperation in the economic field, energy projects and transportation corridors played a balancing role in the relations. Iran aims to promote its national interests, increase its regional influence and create a positive image in the international arena by using its soft power and religious norms in Azerbaijan. In this context, it has been determined that cultural centers, educational programs, religious institutions and media organizations play important roles. From a constructivist perspective, the research emphasizes that relations between Iran and Azerbaijan are shaped not only by material elements but also by social, cultural and ideological factors. In this context, the role of identities, norms and discourses has been examined. In the research, Iran's Shiite-based state identity and Azerbaijan's nationalist and secular state identity have emerged as the most important elements affecting the relations and interests of the two countries. The interests that differ due to different state identities have shaped the foreign policies of these countries. In our research, in addition to the norms that are effective in the relations between the two countries, conflicting norms have also been examined. The conflicting norms come first among the conflicting norms. The norms of secularism and nationalism that developed in Azerbaijan after independence conflict with Iran's fundamental norms that prioritize religion and sect. For this reason, Azerbaijan perceives that its national independence and national sovereignty are being violated in the implementation of Iran's foreign policy and soft power policies. Another norm that is a matter of conflict is the regional population increase norm, which is related to the desire to be a powerful actor and leader in the region. This desire of Iran creates anxiety in the Azerbaijani state and leads it to further strengthen its relations with Turkey and Western countries. The issue of compliance with international norms is also considered as another area where Iran applies double standards. Instead of complying with international norms in its foreign policy, Iran adopts a policy in line with its own interests. The issue of non-interference in the internal affairs of countries is at the forefront of these norms. Iran does not hesitate to violate this norm for reasons arising from its constitution, such as the axis of resistance and regime expulsion. Iran's soft power strategies are shaped by various factors such as secular and nationalist tendencies in Azerbaijan, regional rivalries and identity policies. One of the research findings is that the issue of Iranian Azerbaijan (South Azerbaijan) is extremely decisive in the formation of state identities of Iran and Azerbaijan and therefore in their foreign policy practices. As a final finding, it was concluded that Iran's foreign policy practices towards Azerbaijan, which is a reflection of its Shiite Islam and revolutionary state identity, have reduced Iran's soft power potential in Azerbaijan, which stems from religious, historical and cultural ties. Keywords: İran, Azerbaijan, Constructivism, Soft power, Iran foreign policy, Azerbaijan foreign policy