'Two Thousand Kilometers': Ideology versus geopolitics in Israeli-Iranian relations since 1979

Abstract

This thesis addresses the interplay of ideology and geopolitics in Israeli-Iranian relations since 1979. First, the influence of both ideology and geopolitics on Israeli and Iranian foreign policy is researched. Next, instead of a mono-causal explanation of the Israeli-Iranian relationship, a periodization is proposed where the interplay of ideology and geopolitics changes across time in both Israeli and Iranian foreign policy. The first period (1979 to 1989/1991) is characterized by a strong ideological hostility. Because of common regional interests, this did not translate in actual policy. In the second period (1989/1991 to 9/11, 2001), ideological opposition towards Israel is strengthened by Iran’s geopolitical interests. This led to a concurrence of ideology and geopolitics in both countries. In the third (9/11, 2001 to 2015) and fourth (2015 to present) periods, geopolitical interests prevailed in both Israeli and Iranian foreign policy. The case study of Israeli-Iranian relations points out that, rather than excluding ideology or geopolitics in explaining international relations, the interplay should be considered. Moreover, it should be taken into account that the relationship between ideology and geopolitics can change over time.