The Impact of Religious Democracy in Iran on Its Strategic Depth in the Middle East

Abstract

Religious democracy, as the governance model of the Islamic Republic of Iran, presents a synthesis of divine legitimacy and popular legitimacy. This model, grounded in Islamic teachings and active public participation in political processes, has succeeded in establishing a distinct model of Islamic governance that holds particular appeal for Muslim nations in contrast to Western secular and liberal models. This article aims to examine the impact of this model on Iran’s strategic depth in the Middle East by analyzing the discourse of the Islamic Revolution, sources of soft power, and the role of political participation in enhancing Iran’s regional influence. The findings indicate that religious democracy, by creating an alternative model of Islamic governance, has played an effective role in shaping and supporting aligned movements, expanding cultural and media diplomacy, and legitimizing Iran’s foreign policy. These forms of support have not been limited to political and security dimensions but have also functioned as components of Iran’s soft power, thereby contributing to the expansion of the country’s strategic depth within its surrounding environment. Furthermore, the article demonstrates that religious democracy has contributed to the consolidation of the political system’s legitimacy at the domestic level and has also functioned as a source of soft power at the regional level. The integration of religious values with popular participation has presented a distinct image of Islamic governance that holds appeal for Muslim populations in the region and encourages their convergence with Iran. Consequently, religious democracy is not only a domestic governance model but also an effective regional strategy for enhancing Iran’s strategic depth in the Middle East. This model has facilitated the formation of allied networks, strengthened the discourse of resistance, and reinforced Iran’s position within regional geopolitical equations.