The Islamic Republic of Iran's relations with the Republic of Tajikistan in the post-Soviet period

Abstract

This thesis seeks to uncover the motivations, objectives, and outcomes of Iran’s foreign relations with Tajikistan between 1991 and 2013. In doing so, the thesis maps out the course of relations between Iran and Tajikistan throughout the post-Soviet period, and in the process seeks to better understand the domestic, regional, and international obstacles that have faced Iran in its efforts to build ties with its so-called “close cultural cousin”, Tajikistan. Furthermore, this dissertation seeks to better understand how the presence of strong ethno-linguistic bonds and a set of shared mutual threats and strategic interests have acted as key drivers in building ties between these two countries. In attempting to outline the basis of Iranian-Tajik ties, this thesis argues that relations between these two states have been consistently hampered by not only mutual mistrust and misunderstanding, but also significant regional and international instability, which has often cruelled the ability for Iranian and Tajik elites to sustain close bilateral political, economic, cultural, and strategic relations over the past two decades. Show more