A Comparative Study of Iran and Turkey’s Relations with the Republic of Azerbaijan (within the Framework of Agent- Structure)
Subject Areas :
Keywords: Turkey, structure, Islamic Republic of Iran, Agent, Foreign Relations, America, Azerbaijan Republic,
Abstract :
The disintegration of the Soviet Union is one of the important events in the second half of the twentieth century and it had deep impact on the international arena at the world and regional level as well as the relations between different countries. The result of this disintegration is the birth of new republics in Central Asia and Caucasus. One of these republics is Azerbaijan Republic (Azerbaijan once gained independence between 1918-1920 but later was annexed to former Soviet Union). The policy of Iran towards the northern neighbours specially Azerbaijan is cooperation and active presence because the geopolitical position of Iran and its impact on the countries of the region have made it as a connecting bridge between two important region of the world، the Central Asia، Caucasus and the Persian Gulf region. On the other hand the presence of Turkey as a regional rival for Iran in Azerbaijan Republic has had negative impact on Iran achieving its objective in the region، particularly in Azerbaijan Republic. Turkey in its competition with Iran in Azerbaijan besides having commonalities is also enjoying the support of the United States. The present article is of the view that the success of Turkey in Azerbaijan Republic in competition with Iran is more due to the support of the United States and the opposition of that country to Iran. For explaining this issue، the theoretical framework of “agent-structure” has been used because the structure determines the freedom of the agents. Of course، those agents، which act in conformity with the structure، avail themselves of more opportunity and it also limits those agents who oppose the structure. Nevertheless، it should be noted that the structure is not absolute and one’s agent is structure for other. Thus opposing the strongest agent means opposing the structure. Therefore، playing the role of agent for the strongest agent (in this case the United States) becomes a structure for its opponents، this prevents its opponents in achieving their objectives، and on the other hand، it provides maximum benefits and opportunities for its supporters. For this reason، Turkey’s alliance with the United States has led to achievement of its goal in competition with Iran in Azerbaijan Republic.