Lakhasly

Military power has traditionally been regarded as the primary form of power, providing unparalleled advantages in securing the national interests of the state.Alongside economic power, a new form of influence has emerged, grounded in non-material elements, particularly ideological and cultural values.However, the developments of the post-Cold War world have shifted the balance, positioning economic power as a crucial tool in foreign policy.The military tool no longer maintains its former dominance, and its outcomes are no longer guaranteed.

Military power has traditionally been regarded as the primary form of power, providing unparalleled advantages in securing the national interests of the state. However, the developments of the post-Cold War world have shifted the balance, positioning economic power as a crucial tool in foreign policy. The military tool no longer maintains its former dominance, and its outcomes are no longer guaranteed. Alongside economic power, a new form of influence has emerged, grounded in non-material elements, particularly ideological and cultural values. This concept, introduced by scholar Joseph Nye as "soft power," has evolved into the broader concept of "smart power." Smart power integrates both hard and soft power, creating a policy or strategy that compels states—whether large or small—to recognize its value in enhancing their international and regional roles.
One of the regional countries that has prioritized the strategy of smart power in its foreign policy is Iran. This strategy aims to fulfill a long-standing objective, dating back to the reign of the Shah: to establish itself as the dominant and centralized state on the African continent, particularly in the Horn of Africa. This goal has been pursued through a combination of hard and soft power mechanisms, and Iran has achieved a degree of success in this endeavor.