China Quarterly of International Strategic Studies, Vol. 9, No. 1, 1–29 (Web of Science)
(With Javad Zarif)
Abstract: Since the end of the Cold War the world has witnessed a period of substantial turbulence, marked by conflicts, transformative global shifts, and calamities within the international community.
The conclusion of the Cold War disrupted a well-established paradigm, unsettling both practitioners and intellectual stakeholders. The Cold War era had engendered a sense of predictability in international relations, fostering a tangible framework for anticipatory analysis.
The post-Cold War landscape was met with a surge of activity within the United States, where the perception of victory led to a flurry of efforts to reconfigure the future. This activity extended beyond the physical realm to encompass research institutions, think tanks, and academic spheres, all seeking to construct novel trajectories regarding both practical actions and conceptual frameworks. However, the swift pace of global transformation and the fluid dynamics of the international stage gave rise to numerous miscalculations and misguided endeavors. These errors in judgment transcended the magnitude of global actors, affecting both major and moderate powers with varying degrees of impact.
This article assesses the outcomes stemming from these conceptual undertakings and the subsequent transitional phase. It delves into the emergent characteristics defining this period and the sources of influence that have come to shape it. By elucidating these facets, the article aims to equip policymakers and scholars with the insights needed to comprehensively grasp and shape the contours of the novel international order. The objective is to cultivate a pragmatic understanding of the attendant prospects and challenges, thereby facilitating a more informed approach to navigating the intricacies of the evolving global landscape, particularly in the relations between Iran and its neighbors in West Asia.
