Introduction
The Arbaeen pilgrimage, despite its spiritual motivations and the individualistic approach of participants rooted in intercultural and religious traditions—as well as the commemoration of Imam Hussein's epic—has evolved into one of the manifestations of transnational Shiite activism and a unifying force strengthening the bonds within the global Shiite community in recent years. Given the cultural, intangible, and non-material nature of the Arbaeen pilgrimage, this phenomenon can be leveraged to serve the objectives of public diplomacy for diverse countries. The Islamic Republic of Iran, with its religion-based political system, is particularly well-positioned to capitalize on this opportunity to enhance its constructed image on the global stage.
Theoretical Framework
In recent decades, religion has assumed an increasingly prominent role in shaping international relations, giving birth to the concept of "faith-based diplomacy." This approach is fundamentally interconnected with public diplomacy that draws upon religious values. At its core, faith-based diplomacy employs religious principles and spiritual beliefs as tools to: Foster meaningful connections with global populations, create positive influence in international affairs, and Ultimately serve as a mechanism for peacebuilding. This strategic dimension has become instrumental in enhancing the public diplomacy efforts of nation-states. To examine the dimensions of faith-based public diplomacy, constructivism has been selected as the theoretical framework of the current study.
Constructivism, emerging from the third debate in international relations, serves as a social theory of world politics that seeks to address the identity and meaning gaps created by the dominance of materialist discourse in the field. This theoretical approach fundamentally reinterprets state behavior by viewing actors' identities and interests not as fixed or predetermined, but rather as socially constructed through shared ideas and norms. At its core, constructivism emphasizes on the "social construction" of international political actors, offering a critical alternative to traditional rationalist perspectives.
Methodology
This study adopts a descriptive-analytical research design with an applied-operational nature, extending beyond mere analytical propositions and identification of opportunities arising from the Arbaeen pilgrimage to enhance Islamic Republic of Iran's soft power in West Asia and its traditional spheres of influence. The research specifically aims to develop policy recommendations for improving Iran's public diplomacy through the Arbaeen phenomenon. Data collection will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining documentary research, library studies, and semi-structured elite interviews. Data analysis will be conducted through dual methodologies: grounded theory analysis and elite analysis, ensuring comprehensive examination of both theoretical frameworks and practical insights.
Conclusion & Suggestion & Results
Iran's Public Diplomacy of Arbaeen can be defined as the strategic utilization of available resources and favorable methods during the Arbaeen pilgrimage to: project an accurate and ideal image of the country, foster mutual understanding, and counter hostile propaganda against the Islamic Republic of Iran. This approach ultimately aims to contribute to the formation of a new Islamic civilization - the fundamental objective of the Islamic Revolution. Key priorities of this religion-based diplomacy consist of promoting positive perceptions of Shia culture through human connections, clarifying misconceptions about Shia teachings, and highlighting how Arbaeen's message aligns with universal human values., Iran's Arbaeen-based public diplomacy - by its emphasis on the humanitarian dimensions of this spiritual gathering - seeks to showcase the convergence between Shia principles and global ethical standards as well as neutralizing anti-Iranian narratives.
Iran's soft power resources including its Islamic-Iranian identity and culture, resistance against global arrogance, young and educated population, scientific and technological progress, religious democracy, Persian language, and tourism have fostered affinity toward the Islamic Revolution among nations around the region. The spiritual and non-material dimensions of the Arbaeen pilgrimage, rooted in Shia teachings, provide an ideal platform to leverage this potential to develop Iran’s public diplomacy including strengthening Shia identity and intra-Shia relations, promoting the authentic teachings of the Islamic Revolution, enhancing solidarity between Iranian and Iraqi Shia communities, reinforcing ties between the Qom and Najaf seminaries, advancing the idea of Islamic unity, presenting a positive image of the Islamic Republic among Iraqi Kurds and Sunnis, and creating economic opportunities through improved foreign perception.
The key requirements for leveraging Arbaeen's public diplomacy to advance Iran's foreign policy objectives include: (1) establishing a cross-sector coordination headquarters for Arbaeen public diplomacy; (2) utilizing non-Iranian NGOs' capabilities; (3) developing guidelines for embassies and cultural attachés; (4) formulating a coherent media strategy; (5) raising Iraqi society's awareness about national unity through religious concepts; (6) enhancing public diplomacy skills among diplomatic staff; (7) producing targeted content aligned with audience preferences; (8) highlighting Iran's efforts toward comprehensive, balanced development; (9) strengthening and empowering international mawakibs; (10) launching a comprehensive Iran-focused informational website; (11) improving the effectiveness of cultural institutions operating in Iraq; (12) presenting Arbaeen pilgrimage as an Islamic (rather than exclusively Shia) ritual; and (13) fostering synergy with holy shrines and the Najaf seminary.