West Asian Power Dynamics

This article offers a thorough examination of Iran's strategic realignment towards the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the BRICS bloc within the evolving international political landscape. Utilizing a neoclassical realist framework, the research delves into the systemic pressures and intrinsic state-level factors that influence Iran's foreign policy decisions. The research method adopted encompasses both qualitative analysis and a review of primary and secondary sources to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the geopolitical recalibration. Key findings indicate that Iran's shift is driven by a combination of economic, diplomatic, and strategic imperatives. Economically, affiliations with the SCO and BRICS present Iran with enhanced trade opportunities, investment prospects, and alternative financing mechanisms in the backdrop of Western sanctions. Diplomatically, these affiliations bolster Iran's regional and global position, affording it platforms for dialogue and strategic cooperation. Strategically, the realignment has profound implications for both West Asian power dynamics and the broader global power structures, hinting at a transition towards a more multipolar world order. However, the research also uncovers multifaceted challenges that Iran confronts in this strategic pivot, ranging from managing diverse priorities within the SCO and BRICS to reconciling domestic objectives with global aspirations. In essence, the article sheds light on Iran's adaptive foreign policy strategy amidst a changing global order. By answering questions related to the motivations, benefits, and challenges of Iran's strategic realignment, this research provides valuable insights into the future trajectory of geopolitical dynamics in West Asia and beyond.