The strategy of Iranian hegemonic expansionism in Syria and Afghanistan

Abstract

In recent decades, Iran has launched an ambitious foreign policy program. One of its fundamental objectives is to promote its hegemonic expansionism in areas of special regional interest. This article examines Iran’s agenda in Afghanistan and Syria, amid two different wars and territorial contexts. Despite the differences, this work highlights the common elements of their expansionist strategy in Central Asia and the Middle East. This strategy is based on the rejection of the intervention of the United States and its allies, and the demand for an Islamic political-religious regime. In the cases analyzed, Iran has mixed political and military support with economic aid and the strengthening of commercial ties with these countries.