Securitization of Shiite Identity in Iran's Security Strategies in the Middle East (2014-2019) Based on the Copenhagen School

Subject Areas : Political Sciences- International Relations

Reza ghanavati ¹ , Sadegh Shahvarpoor najafabadi ² , Hamed Mohagheghnia ³

1 -
2 - دانشجو
3 - professor

Received: 2025-02-09 Accepted : 2025-06-09 Published : 2025-06-15

Keywords: Shiite identity, security-building, Iran’s security strategies, Middle East, Copenhagen School.,

Abstract :

This article analyzes the impact of Shiite identity on Iran's security strategies in the Middle East during the period 2014-2019.Given regional developments and numerous security threats, Iran has attempted to use Shiite identity as a tool to secure itself and expand its regional influence. The emergence of Takfiri and religious extremist groups such as ISIS, the intensification of regional rivalries between Iran and Saudi Arabia, civil wars in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, and the increasing presence of Shiite non-state actors in the region have prompted Iran to use Shiite identity as a tool to ensure national security and increase its regional influence. From the perspective of the Copenhagen School, which views security as a social and political process, this study analyzes how Iran has used Shiite identity to legitimize its security policies. The results of this study show that by supporting Shiite groups in Some neighboring countries. This article also examines the effects of these policies on Iran’s relations with Sunni Arab countries and the West, and shows that Shiite identity has served as a strategic tool in Iran’s foreign and security policy.

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