The Syria-Iran Axis
Subtitle: cultural diplomacy and international relations in the Middle East
By: Nadia von Maltzahn
Series: Library of modern Middle East studies -- 137; Library of modern Middle East studies -- 137.
Publisher: I.B. Tauris; I.B.Tauris
Published: 2013
Place of publication: London; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 272
ISBN-13: 9781780765372
Subjects: Foreign relations
Description: Since the Iranian Revolution of 1979, the close alliance between Syria and Iran has endured for over three decades, based on geopolitical interests between the two states and often framed in the language of resistance. In view of their strong relationship at a state-level, what have Syria and Iran each been doing to foster popular exchange and employ cultural tools to build an image in the other country? The Syria-Iran Axis examines the motivations, content and reach of cultural diplomacy between Syria and Iran to determine to what degree the two partners have been successful in bridging their world views and political outlooks. By analyzing the extent to which a state-directed cultural exchange can foster bilateral relations in the Middle East, Nadia von Maltzahn offers a unique analysis of the formation of foreign policy and diplomacy in the region. -- Provided by publisher.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 251-264) and index.
Table of contents: title: Introduction : the role of culture in foreign policy; title: Historical backdrop : overview of Syrian-Iranian relations since 1946; title: Policy and values; title: Pre-1979 cultural diplomacy and foundations for post-revolutionary cultural exchange; title: Iran's cultural diplomacy in Syria : the Iranian Cultural Centre in Damascus; title: Syria's cultural diplomacy in Iran : the Arab-Syrian Cultural Centre in Tehran; title: Students : fostering the bonds of the future; title: Religious tourism : the blessedness of cultural ties; title: Conclusion : cultural diplomacy, soft power and the Syria-Iran axis.