Enayatollah Yazdani | Sun Yat-Sen University (original) (raw)
Brief Bio of Enayatollah Yazdani
Enayatollah Yazdani has received his PhD in Political Science and International Relations from the Australian National University (ANU), Canberra, Australia, 2000-2005.
He is a Professor of International Relations who since 2019 has been teaching in School of International Studies at Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China, and before 2019 he was teaching in Department of Political Science at University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
In addition, he has been Visiting Scholar in America:
1- Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies, Jackson School of International Studies, University of Washington, Seattle, USA, 2012-2013
2-Department of Central Eurasian Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA; 2003;
3-Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies Jackson School of International Studies, University of Washington, Seattle, USA, 2003;
He has supervised more than 80 PhD and MA students. He has also published five books and book chapters, furthermore, he has published more than 140 papers in scholarly journals. He was Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Political and International Research Quarterly and is member of editorial board of a number of other journals. He has delivered speech in many international conferences in America, Britain, Russia, China, Germany, Australia, India, Turkey, Poland, Greece, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan and Iran.
Supervisors: Supervisor and Advisor
Phone: +8613680352569
Address: School of International Studies, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
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Papers by Enayatollah Yazdani
International Relations Research, Nov 22, 2014
Central Asia's pivotal geographical position allowed it to play an essential role in relation... more Central Asia's pivotal geographical position allowed it to play an essential role in relations among nations of Eurasia in the Middle Ages as the bridge between China and Europe. Yet, during the Russian and then the Soviet rule in Central Asia, the region's republics had no independent position in international relations as foreign affairs was formed and managed by the central government in Moscow. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 made salient the geopolitical, economic, and cultural importance of the fi ve former Soviet Central Asian republics. They reemerged as independent actors in the global interstate system and could have played a significant role in international affairs during the last three decades. The article aims to discuss the Central Asian region's position in the Soviet and post-Soviet eras. It explores how Central Asia as a "closed" region during the Soviet period changed its geopolitical position and became an influential actor in globa...
International Studies, 2006
The United States has pursued an antagonistic policy towards the Islamic Republic of Iran ever si... more The United States has pursued an antagonistic policy towards the Islamic Republic of Iran ever since the fall of the pro-US monarchy. Even though subsequent US administrations since 1979 have been trying to restore earlier influence in that country, the disintegration of the Soviet Union has reinforced the US resolve to regain political leverage in Iran. The realization of this objective could remove a major impediment to the growing US hegemony in the region. Thus, Iran forms part of the Bush administration's so-called ‘axis of evil’. The Iranian Islamic government's autonomous foreign and domestic policies pose a challenge to the US-led Western bloc's preponderant political, military and economic influence in the Persian Gulf and South-west Asia. The ongoing pressure on Tehran to abandon its nuclear programme is an integral component of a multifaceted strategy that seeks to isolate Iran both at the regional and international levels. The US-led occupations of Iraq and A...
One of the significant signs of the globalization phenomenon is the existence of close connection... more One of the significant signs of the globalization phenomenon is the existence of close connection between economy and politics and deep correlation between these two. One of the most important matters that can influence the economic security of governments is the issue of economic sanctions. Islamic Republic of Iran has been constantly suffering from extensive economic sanctions. This study seeks to address this fundamental question: What impacts have the economic sanctions had on the economy and political will of the Islamic Republic of Iran according to the Realist, Liberalist and Constructivist schools of thought? The present study, using a descriptive-analytical method indicates that, according to Realism and Liberalism, economic sanctions have made the economic structure of the Islamic Republic suffer heavy losses. They have also led to changes in the political behavior of Iran and the countries that enforce these sanctions. According to the constructivist approach, however, de...
This thesis examines US policy towards Central Asia after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It se... more This thesis examines US policy towards Central Asia after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It seeks to demonstrate the changes in US priorities, objectives and means in its relations with the region. To this end, it first shows how the post-Soviet politico-economic challenges in the region influenced the outside world’s attitude towards it. It shows that several major regional and global actors have displayed interest in becoming involved in the region’s affairs. The thesis demonstrates that in this competition the United States has become a major player in the area. US relations with Central Asia were established immediately after the demise of the Soviet Union. This thesis demonstrates that US policy towards the region has gone through three distinct phases since then. From the beginning until the mid-1990s, the region was not considered strategically vital to the United States and was treated as an accessory to Washington’s interests in Moscow and, to some degree, the Middle Eas...
International Relations and Diplomacy
Central Asia's pivotal geographical position allowed it to play an essential role in rela... more Central Asia's pivotal geographical position allowed it to play an essential role in relations among nations of Eurasia in the Middle Ages, as the bridge between China and Europe. Yet, during the Russian and then the Soviet rule on Central Asia, the region's republics had no independent position in international community as foreign relations were formed and managed by central government in Moscow. The collapse of the Union of Soviet in 1991 made salient the geopolitical, economic, and cultural importance of the five former Soviet Central Asian republics. Accordingly, the republics reemerged as independent actors in the global interstate system and could play a role in international affairs during the last three decades. This paper aims to compare Central Asia's foreign relations in the Soviet and Post-Soviet era.
Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Studies
Under the Soviet Union rule, Central Asia was a closed region with no access to the outside world... more Under the Soviet Union rule, Central Asia was a closed region with no access to the outside world. Both internal and external affairs in the region was directed by the central government in Moscow. When the Central Asian republics became dependence in 1991, the situation changed.Yet, in the new era Central Asia has faced many problems and challenges. This paper aims to explore how Central Asia’s internal dynamics have influenced its external relations? The paper concludes that the region’s external relations have been greatly affected by its internal dynamics.
China Quarterly of International Strategic Studies
China’s increasing strategic investment and continued diplomatic outreach has indicated that it a... more China’s increasing strategic investment and continued diplomatic outreach has indicated that it aims to play a larger leadership role in global affairs in the years to come. To project its global power, Beijing has not only tried to bolster its position in existing regional and global institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, but also launched its own initiatives, programs, and projects to reinforce and reform the current international order. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) stands out as the only grouping whose inception, expansion, and functioning best showcase China’s rise and ambitions in the region and the larger world. Indeed, the SCO is a key platform for Beijing’s efforts to play such a role; it is a multilateral mechanism that has long provided an effective means for achieving China’s regional and international goals and interests. Yet, internal tensions between member states may pose new challenges, which will be a major test of the S...
International Relations and Diplomacy
The Persian Gulf as a crucial region has been in the center of the global powers' strateg... more The Persian Gulf as a crucial region has been in the center of the global powers' strategies. China, as a growing international power, in the framework of "Go Global" strategy, has cemented its multidimensional ties with the Persian Gulf countries, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) monarchies during the last three decades. China has established comprehensive strategic relations with the GCC states. The GCC sultanates have also attempted to deepen their collaboration with China in different fields. The bilateral relations between China and GCC countries mainly focused on energy, economy, trade, finance, relatively politics, security, military, culture and recently COVID-19. In recent years, the Chinese Belt and Road project has deepened the relationship between China and GCC countries and has effectively contributed to the Chinese "Go Global" strategy.
Shanlax International Journal of Arts, Science and Humanities
The demise of the Soviet Union and the end of the bipolar system affected the geopolitics of the ... more The demise of the Soviet Union and the end of the bipolar system affected the geopolitics of the glob. One of the main features of the new world system is the importance of the world economy; accordingly, any power that dominates the Persian Gulf, with its enormous energy resources, would dominate the world. Yet, Central Asia, with its energy resources and strategic location, has attracted the powers attention. Under the new circumstances, the United States has tried to play an influential role in both regions. Here the main question is: which region is more important in US foreign policy, the Persian Gulf, or Central Asia? The paper concludes although Central Asia has a special role in US global policy, particularly after the 9/11 events, the Persian Gulf, for its greater amount of energy and crucial geopolitical position, as a new “heartland” or “center of the center” contains long-identified vital US national interests and security more than any other region.
The Persian Gulf as a crucial region has been in the center of the global powers' strategies.... more The Persian Gulf as a crucial region has been in the center of the global powers' strategies. China, as a growing international power, in the framework of "Go Global" strategy, has cemented its multidimensional ties with the Persian Gulf countries, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) monarchies during the last three decades. China has established comprehensive strategic relations with the GCC states. The GCC sultanates have also attempted to deepen their collaboration with China in different fields. The bilateral relations between China and GCC countries mainly focused on energy, economy, trade, finance, relatively politics, security, military, culture and recently COVID-19. In recent years, the Chinese Belt and Road project has deepened the relationship between China and GCC countries and has effectively contributed to the Chinese "Go Global" strategy.
Berumpun: International Journal of Social, Politics, and Humanities
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)is an Eurasianpolitical, economic and security allianc... more The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)is an Eurasianpolitical, economic and security alliance.The SCO which itsoriginal focus was on border disputes, has begun anevolution, changing its focus to to economic cooperation andissues of counter terrorism and regional security. China as afounder member of the SCO has an evolving role in theorganization. This paper aims to address this main question:what is the position and role of China in the SCO? The paperdiscusses that China as a major power with a growingeconomy is playing an effective role in the organization. Andthe goals which China pursues in this organization are in linewith the larger goals of the country in the internationalarena.
Journal of Cultural and Religious Studies
The emergence of the Central Asian republics into the international stage presented a new frontie... more The emergence of the Central Asian republics into the international stage presented a new frontier for US policymakers. US involvement in Central Asia began with the collapse of the USSR. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Washington initiated official relations with the region's newly interdependent states. From 1991 until the mid-1990s, the region to some extent was of only marginal importance to the United States. The region was viewed as less important, perhaps because the highest US priority at that time was Russia itself. US policy in Central Asia, was initially based on the "Russia first" principle. However, later on Washington paid special attention to the region and recognised American national interests there. This paper aims to address this main question: To what extent were US interests affected by independence of the Central Asian republics during the initial phase? The paper findings indicate that during the early stage of US engagement in Central Asia, there was no uniformity and strategic framework in Washington approach toward this region.
Sociology Study
For decades, Iran was a strategic ally of the United States and had been playing a significant ro... more For decades, Iran was a strategic ally of the United States and had been playing a significant role in US strategy in the Middle East region. Yet, the relations between Washington and Tehran have been facing a difficult situation since 1979. For about 40 years, many events have taken place, which are basically rooted in their ideology, strategy, and interests, and have damaged the interaction between the two countries. The new tensions between the two nations have started since May 2019 which have raised many questions and discussions. This paper aims to address whether the tensions between the two countries led to a war. The paper argues that the tensions between America and the Islamic Republic of Iran might be increased but a war would never happen and a peace would never occur, too. In other words, the escalation conflict between Washington and Tehran will not lead the two countries toward a war.
International Relations and Diplomacy
When Hassan Rouhani as 11th president of Iran was elected, there was a great expectation of chang... more When Hassan Rouhani as 11th president of Iran was elected, there was a great expectation of changing the Iranian foreign policy. As it was great hope for recovering Iran's economy. Following his election victory in 2013, President Hassan Rouhani spoke of his desire to construct Iran's foreign policy with the objective of enhancing mutual trust between Iran and other countries, avoid extremism, and build trust over Iran's nuclear ambitions. Direct talks with the US soon followed, paving the way for a succession of interim deals and confidence building measures that finally led to the JCPOA. However, despite the euphoria in the Western academic circles on Rouhani who would rapidly change Iran's foreign policy, there remain constraints in his ability to radically alter the foundations of post-1979 Iranian foreign policy. In fact, the Rouhani administration has pursued a very cautious foreign policy and has maintained the general geopolitical objectives underlying Iran's external orientation ever since the 1979 Islamic revolution. National interests and state survival have always triumphed over idealistic revolutionary impulses in Iran's wider foreign policy. This has remained a feature of Rouhani's foreign policy as well.
International Relations Research, Nov 22, 2014
Central Asia's pivotal geographical position allowed it to play an essential role in relation... more Central Asia's pivotal geographical position allowed it to play an essential role in relations among nations of Eurasia in the Middle Ages as the bridge between China and Europe. Yet, during the Russian and then the Soviet rule in Central Asia, the region's republics had no independent position in international relations as foreign affairs was formed and managed by the central government in Moscow. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 made salient the geopolitical, economic, and cultural importance of the fi ve former Soviet Central Asian republics. They reemerged as independent actors in the global interstate system and could have played a significant role in international affairs during the last three decades. The article aims to discuss the Central Asian region's position in the Soviet and post-Soviet eras. It explores how Central Asia as a "closed" region during the Soviet period changed its geopolitical position and became an influential actor in globa...
International Studies, 2006
The United States has pursued an antagonistic policy towards the Islamic Republic of Iran ever si... more The United States has pursued an antagonistic policy towards the Islamic Republic of Iran ever since the fall of the pro-US monarchy. Even though subsequent US administrations since 1979 have been trying to restore earlier influence in that country, the disintegration of the Soviet Union has reinforced the US resolve to regain political leverage in Iran. The realization of this objective could remove a major impediment to the growing US hegemony in the region. Thus, Iran forms part of the Bush administration's so-called ‘axis of evil’. The Iranian Islamic government's autonomous foreign and domestic policies pose a challenge to the US-led Western bloc's preponderant political, military and economic influence in the Persian Gulf and South-west Asia. The ongoing pressure on Tehran to abandon its nuclear programme is an integral component of a multifaceted strategy that seeks to isolate Iran both at the regional and international levels. The US-led occupations of Iraq and A...
One of the significant signs of the globalization phenomenon is the existence of close connection... more One of the significant signs of the globalization phenomenon is the existence of close connection between economy and politics and deep correlation between these two. One of the most important matters that can influence the economic security of governments is the issue of economic sanctions. Islamic Republic of Iran has been constantly suffering from extensive economic sanctions. This study seeks to address this fundamental question: What impacts have the economic sanctions had on the economy and political will of the Islamic Republic of Iran according to the Realist, Liberalist and Constructivist schools of thought? The present study, using a descriptive-analytical method indicates that, according to Realism and Liberalism, economic sanctions have made the economic structure of the Islamic Republic suffer heavy losses. They have also led to changes in the political behavior of Iran and the countries that enforce these sanctions. According to the constructivist approach, however, de...
This thesis examines US policy towards Central Asia after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It se... more This thesis examines US policy towards Central Asia after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It seeks to demonstrate the changes in US priorities, objectives and means in its relations with the region. To this end, it first shows how the post-Soviet politico-economic challenges in the region influenced the outside world’s attitude towards it. It shows that several major regional and global actors have displayed interest in becoming involved in the region’s affairs. The thesis demonstrates that in this competition the United States has become a major player in the area. US relations with Central Asia were established immediately after the demise of the Soviet Union. This thesis demonstrates that US policy towards the region has gone through three distinct phases since then. From the beginning until the mid-1990s, the region was not considered strategically vital to the United States and was treated as an accessory to Washington’s interests in Moscow and, to some degree, the Middle Eas...
International Relations and Diplomacy
Central Asia's pivotal geographical position allowed it to play an essential role in rela... more Central Asia's pivotal geographical position allowed it to play an essential role in relations among nations of Eurasia in the Middle Ages, as the bridge between China and Europe. Yet, during the Russian and then the Soviet rule on Central Asia, the region's republics had no independent position in international community as foreign relations were formed and managed by central government in Moscow. The collapse of the Union of Soviet in 1991 made salient the geopolitical, economic, and cultural importance of the five former Soviet Central Asian republics. Accordingly, the republics reemerged as independent actors in the global interstate system and could play a role in international affairs during the last three decades. This paper aims to compare Central Asia's foreign relations in the Soviet and Post-Soviet era.
Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Studies
Under the Soviet Union rule, Central Asia was a closed region with no access to the outside world... more Under the Soviet Union rule, Central Asia was a closed region with no access to the outside world. Both internal and external affairs in the region was directed by the central government in Moscow. When the Central Asian republics became dependence in 1991, the situation changed.Yet, in the new era Central Asia has faced many problems and challenges. This paper aims to explore how Central Asia’s internal dynamics have influenced its external relations? The paper concludes that the region’s external relations have been greatly affected by its internal dynamics.
China Quarterly of International Strategic Studies
China’s increasing strategic investment and continued diplomatic outreach has indicated that it a... more China’s increasing strategic investment and continued diplomatic outreach has indicated that it aims to play a larger leadership role in global affairs in the years to come. To project its global power, Beijing has not only tried to bolster its position in existing regional and global institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, but also launched its own initiatives, programs, and projects to reinforce and reform the current international order. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) stands out as the only grouping whose inception, expansion, and functioning best showcase China’s rise and ambitions in the region and the larger world. Indeed, the SCO is a key platform for Beijing’s efforts to play such a role; it is a multilateral mechanism that has long provided an effective means for achieving China’s regional and international goals and interests. Yet, internal tensions between member states may pose new challenges, which will be a major test of the S...
International Relations and Diplomacy
The Persian Gulf as a crucial region has been in the center of the global powers' strateg... more The Persian Gulf as a crucial region has been in the center of the global powers' strategies. China, as a growing international power, in the framework of "Go Global" strategy, has cemented its multidimensional ties with the Persian Gulf countries, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) monarchies during the last three decades. China has established comprehensive strategic relations with the GCC states. The GCC sultanates have also attempted to deepen their collaboration with China in different fields. The bilateral relations between China and GCC countries mainly focused on energy, economy, trade, finance, relatively politics, security, military, culture and recently COVID-19. In recent years, the Chinese Belt and Road project has deepened the relationship between China and GCC countries and has effectively contributed to the Chinese "Go Global" strategy.
Shanlax International Journal of Arts, Science and Humanities
The demise of the Soviet Union and the end of the bipolar system affected the geopolitics of the ... more The demise of the Soviet Union and the end of the bipolar system affected the geopolitics of the glob. One of the main features of the new world system is the importance of the world economy; accordingly, any power that dominates the Persian Gulf, with its enormous energy resources, would dominate the world. Yet, Central Asia, with its energy resources and strategic location, has attracted the powers attention. Under the new circumstances, the United States has tried to play an influential role in both regions. Here the main question is: which region is more important in US foreign policy, the Persian Gulf, or Central Asia? The paper concludes although Central Asia has a special role in US global policy, particularly after the 9/11 events, the Persian Gulf, for its greater amount of energy and crucial geopolitical position, as a new “heartland” or “center of the center” contains long-identified vital US national interests and security more than any other region.
The Persian Gulf as a crucial region has been in the center of the global powers' strategies.... more The Persian Gulf as a crucial region has been in the center of the global powers' strategies. China, as a growing international power, in the framework of "Go Global" strategy, has cemented its multidimensional ties with the Persian Gulf countries, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) monarchies during the last three decades. China has established comprehensive strategic relations with the GCC states. The GCC sultanates have also attempted to deepen their collaboration with China in different fields. The bilateral relations between China and GCC countries mainly focused on energy, economy, trade, finance, relatively politics, security, military, culture and recently COVID-19. In recent years, the Chinese Belt and Road project has deepened the relationship between China and GCC countries and has effectively contributed to the Chinese "Go Global" strategy.
Berumpun: International Journal of Social, Politics, and Humanities
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)is an Eurasianpolitical, economic and security allianc... more The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)is an Eurasianpolitical, economic and security alliance.The SCO which itsoriginal focus was on border disputes, has begun anevolution, changing its focus to to economic cooperation andissues of counter terrorism and regional security. China as afounder member of the SCO has an evolving role in theorganization. This paper aims to address this main question:what is the position and role of China in the SCO? The paperdiscusses that China as a major power with a growingeconomy is playing an effective role in the organization. Andthe goals which China pursues in this organization are in linewith the larger goals of the country in the internationalarena.
Journal of Cultural and Religious Studies
The emergence of the Central Asian republics into the international stage presented a new frontie... more The emergence of the Central Asian republics into the international stage presented a new frontier for US policymakers. US involvement in Central Asia began with the collapse of the USSR. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Washington initiated official relations with the region's newly interdependent states. From 1991 until the mid-1990s, the region to some extent was of only marginal importance to the United States. The region was viewed as less important, perhaps because the highest US priority at that time was Russia itself. US policy in Central Asia, was initially based on the "Russia first" principle. However, later on Washington paid special attention to the region and recognised American national interests there. This paper aims to address this main question: To what extent were US interests affected by independence of the Central Asian republics during the initial phase? The paper findings indicate that during the early stage of US engagement in Central Asia, there was no uniformity and strategic framework in Washington approach toward this region.
Sociology Study
For decades, Iran was a strategic ally of the United States and had been playing a significant ro... more For decades, Iran was a strategic ally of the United States and had been playing a significant role in US strategy in the Middle East region. Yet, the relations between Washington and Tehran have been facing a difficult situation since 1979. For about 40 years, many events have taken place, which are basically rooted in their ideology, strategy, and interests, and have damaged the interaction between the two countries. The new tensions between the two nations have started since May 2019 which have raised many questions and discussions. This paper aims to address whether the tensions between the two countries led to a war. The paper argues that the tensions between America and the Islamic Republic of Iran might be increased but a war would never happen and a peace would never occur, too. In other words, the escalation conflict between Washington and Tehran will not lead the two countries toward a war.
International Relations and Diplomacy
When Hassan Rouhani as 11th president of Iran was elected, there was a great expectation of chang... more When Hassan Rouhani as 11th president of Iran was elected, there was a great expectation of changing the Iranian foreign policy. As it was great hope for recovering Iran's economy. Following his election victory in 2013, President Hassan Rouhani spoke of his desire to construct Iran's foreign policy with the objective of enhancing mutual trust between Iran and other countries, avoid extremism, and build trust over Iran's nuclear ambitions. Direct talks with the US soon followed, paving the way for a succession of interim deals and confidence building measures that finally led to the JCPOA. However, despite the euphoria in the Western academic circles on Rouhani who would rapidly change Iran's foreign policy, there remain constraints in his ability to radically alter the foundations of post-1979 Iranian foreign policy. In fact, the Rouhani administration has pursued a very cautious foreign policy and has maintained the general geopolitical objectives underlying Iran's external orientation ever since the 1979 Islamic revolution. National interests and state survival have always triumphed over idealistic revolutionary impulses in Iran's wider foreign policy. This has remained a feature of Rouhani's foreign policy as well.