Geopolitical Territorialization of Turkey and Its Implications for the National Security of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Case Study: Iraq and Syria)
Keywords:
Territorialization, Geopolitics, National Security, Turkey, IranAbstract
Control over and influence within geographic space has consistently constituted a significant objective for actors operating in the international system. It appears that, similar to traditional geopolitical perspectives, the unparalleled position of the physical–structural elements of geographic space in the production of power plays the most decisive role in shaping states’ passivity or activism and in their adoption of territorial expansionist policies. The profound and rapid transformations in the West Asia region in recent years have provided a suitable context for the involvement of various regional and extra-regional actors. Turkey is among the actors that have played a prominent role in recent regional developments. As a regional power with extensive geopolitical ambitions, Turkey has undertaken substantial efforts in recent years to expand its influence in the region, particularly in Syria and Iraq. These efforts, which are conceptualized as “geopolitical territorialization,” will directly entail consequences for the Islamic Republic of Iran. The present study, which is fundamental–applied in terms of purpose and adopts a descriptive–analytical approach, relies on library sources and field studies to elucidate Turkey’s geopolitical territorialization in Iraq and Syria and to analyze its implications for the security of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Mohammadmahdi Olejalamoli (Author); Rebaz Ghorbaninejad; Kiumars Yazdanpanahdaro (Author)
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