Turkey and Iran's policy towards Syria and Iraq: A neoclassical realist analysis

Turkey and Iran are considered among the most important actors in the battles in Syria and Iraq after 2011, which has caused regional and even global consequences. This study analyzes Turkish and Iranian policies in the crises in Syria and Iraq in a chronological framework based on neoclassical realism (NCR). Therefore, this dissertation is an important step in reading both actors' policies and strategies in the Middle East, especially the mentioned crises. The basic assumption of NCR is that the international system affects foreign policy outcomes through domestic policy. In this regard, according to the hypothesis of this dissertation, in parallel with systemic stimuli, domestic policy dynamics have a serious impact on the foreign policy behavior of the two countries, and hence it is inevitable to study the domestic factors as well as international equations. Therefore, the main factors influencing Iran and Turkey's policies regarding these crises and the way these factors transform into foreign policy are the main discussion of this dissertation. According to the conclusion of the study, the completely different perceptions of the two countries' leaders about the world, along with other domestic factors, have deeply influenced foreign policy results. In addition, the two sides tend to collaboration when they face a common and serious threat otherwise, they will compete.