التحوط الاستراتيجي الأمريكي – الإيراني: التنافس الدولي في منطقة آسيا الوسطى أنموذجاً

Abstract

The phenomenon of international competition is a facet of international interaction and a dominant characteristic of most international relations, particularly in their economic dimension. The driving force behind competition in international relations is the intersection and conflict of interests across many fields. Despite the growing interdependence among states—codified within the activities of international organizations—conflicting interests inevitably lead to the dominance of competition in international relations, especially among major powers such as the United States, China, and Russia.

Furthermore, certain regional powers have emerged as influential players and fierce competitors in vital global regions, such as Central Asia, which is distinguished by its vital strategic location and vast energy resources. Through this, countries like Iran seek to attain a prominent regional standing in their surroundings.

Due to the nature of this competition, the United States attempts to employ the bulk of its capabilities to enhance its influence in the region. Meanwhile, Iran utilizes its available economic, military, and even ideological capabilities to achieve this end. This dynamic can be categorized within the framework of strategic hedging, as it yields benefits for the state by securing geostrategic, security, and economic gains.