In the third decade of the third millennium (the 2020s), the enemy, in its soft war, pursues the weakening of Ashura's position as one of its primary objectives. Given the unparalleled role of the event of Ashura in keeping the school of Shi'ism alive, efforts are being made to diminish its influence on the beliefs of people, especially Muslims.
To understand the significance of this issue, one must consider its historical context. Following the passing of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), the history of Islam entered a critical phase of internal disputes. These conflicts intensified after the martyrdom of Imam Ali (AS) and the death of Muawiyah, reaching their zenith during the Imamate of Imam Hussein (AS), the Prince of Martyrs.
Undoubtedly, the era of Imam Hussein (AS) was a period of the heroic revival of monotheistic principles (Tawhid) in the face of Yazid's attempt to completely eradicate religion. This confrontation led to one of the most exceptional tragedies in human history, where a massive army massacred a minority of truth-believers, centered around their Imam, in the most savage manner possible. This event, marked by actions such as the denial of water even to women and children and the humiliating captivity of the survivors from Karbala to Damascus, constitutes the darkest scene in the confrontation between truth and falsehood.
Analyzing this historical event compels us to revisit the concepts of power. Today, the definition and analysis of "smart power" is a key topic for scholars of political science, military studies, and social sciences. This leads to a fundamental question: What is smart power, and what has been its place in politics throughout different historical periods?
Throughout history, "smart power" has meant the development of pragmatic strategies to achieve objectives by relying on the most appropriate resources and tools. This approach also emphasizes the importance of alliances, cooperation, and the function of institutions at all levels to enhance influence and legitimacy on the world stage.
This definition illustrates why, at critical historical junctures, especially at the epicenters of the conflict between truth and falsehood, the motivation to utilize smart power to counter various threats has always been strong.
Generally, as the global system evolves and the nature and forms of power change, the position of actors also transforms. In this context, "smart power" has demonstrated greater influence than mere "hard power" and higher efficacy than limited "soft power." Consequently, its role in the policies and decisions of governments to achieve national goals and interests has become increasingly important.
Therefore, to maintain power, secure interests, and achieve noble and value-based objectives, one must move beyond the dichotomy of hard and soft power. The solution lies in creating an optimal and effective combination of the two, which forms the core essence of smart power: the intelligent, timely, and astute use of all available sources of power.
From the scientific and theoretical perspective of humanities specialists, the existence and magnitude of power have three dimensions: hard, soft, and smart. The flow of power moves from hard sources, such as combat and threats aimed at imposing compromise, alongside the use of soft tools like culture and religious and cultural values, and ultimately to the strategic, optimal, and managerial use of power resources—a smart combination of hard and soft power in confronting tyranny and domination, which is referred to as smart power. Another crucial point is that traditional sources of power involve the ability to control by possessing specific resources; politicians typically define power in terms of population, territory, natural resources, economic size, military strength, and political stability. In this regard, the primary resources and vast financial assets were under the complete and absolute control of Yazid's camp. The camp of Hussein, however, relied on the pillars of monotheism, especially the revival of the principle of Imamate. More importantly, one of Imam Hussein's (AS) key priorities was to create a favorable image within a context of hostility and threat, shaping his political persona in the public opinion of the Muslims of Iraq and the Levant within a framework of smart power based on political and strategic thought. He presented himself as the tangible and authentic symbol of truth and monotheism, while identifying Yazid as the embodiment of corruption, a drinker of wine, a man of public debauchery, and a usurper of the leadership of the Islamic Ummah, explicitly declaring that allegiance to him was impossible, as compromise between disbelief (kufr) and monotheism (Tawhid) is hollow and meaningless. The Imam's effort, through incentive-based and persuasive methods, was to employ convincing approaches aimed at paving the way for the deceived army of Yazid to accept Islamic and value-based models.
The concept of smart diplomatic power should be seen as a response to the threats, risks, and limitations that arise in the application of power. It is no secret that the form of power has been changing throughout history. At one time, the rise and fall of empires was a sign of power; in another era, orchestrating a coup and installing a puppet ruler could demonstrate power. At another time, using economic resources to subordinate a country's economy showed a different form of power. In the age of Imam Hussein (AS), the symbol of power was attaining the guardianship and leadership (Wilayah) of the Islamic community. In this context, the competition between truth and falsehood was centralized in the two camps of Hussein and the court of Yazid. Imam Hussein (AS), during his months-long stay in Mecca before departing the Hajj pilgrimage for Iraq, demonstrated through his smart diplomacy that he was a truthful and forthright statesman who wanted the people for the people's sake, and that his uprising was for the reform of his grandfather's nation, focusing on three crucial sources of soft power: kindness, beauty, and intelligence.
During the days of Muharram in 1447 AH (corresponding to June/July 2025), and in an era where we are witnessing the greatest transformation in the concept of power—a shift from hard power towards smart power in the age of artificial intelligence—the position of foundational values has not diminished; rather, its importance has doubled.
Imam Hussein (AS), in the event of Ashura, displayed a sublime example of the application of "smart power." In a gradual and awareness-building movement, by presenting the ultimate proof to all, he sought to avoid war. However, by enduring the brutal and treacherous methods of Yazid's forces, he was able to create immortal and historic values, bequeathing an unparalleled model for humanity, especially the Islamic world and Shi'ites.
In the current sensitive conditions, as Islamic Iran navigates the period following the 12-day imposed war, intelligence in the application of power is vital. This intelligence means the appropriate and astute use of all sources of power to exert influence in both the soft and hard domains, while the priority always remains with diplomacy and negotiation.
Ali Beman Eghbali Zarch, Head of the Eurasia Studies Group
(The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the IPIS)