The Sources of Power in Islamic Republic of Iran
Abstract: The victory of the Iranian nation in its historic revolution through
popular uprising of bare-handed masses overcoming an armed to the teeth
monarchy supported by all big world powers, caused the falsification of
many theories in political science and international relations, and in
particular on the pivotal concept of power. The political science as a
discipline bound to power and power itself defined in terms of hard-ware
elements - such as military force and economic power - suddenly crippled
down and the slogan of “blood is victorious over the sword” practically
objectified. After its establishment, the astonishing capability of the Islamic
Republic of Iran to confront tremendous national, regional and international
challenges such as coup d’état, local and regional rebellions, economic
sanctions, military aggressions (such as Tabbas US operation)1, the imposed
war of Saddam Hussein and etc, instead of weakening this new political
system, all contributed to the promotion of its international standing. Hence,
Iran now is being recognized as the paramount regional power by both
friends and foes. However, the sources of its power have not stemmed from
increase of hard power capabilities but from a new source of power called
“Soft Power”. This catchy concept was mainly signified following the victory
The Sources of Power in Islamic Republic of Iran
