The International Institute of Peace: Difference between revisions
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===Concerns about Hidden Objectives=== | ===Concerns about Hidden Objectives=== | ||
Iranian analysts and officials sometimes suggest that behind the stated goals of peace and conflict resolution, such institutes may pursue hidden agendas: | Iranian analysts and officials sometimes suggest that behind the stated goals of peace and conflict resolution, such institutes may pursue hidden agendas: | ||
* Influence Operations and Narrative Shaping: There is concern that think tanks and peace institutes serve as tools for soft power, aiming to shape regional narratives and public opinion in ways that align with Western or adversarial | * Influence Operations and Narrative Shaping: There is concern that think tanks and peace institutes serve as tools for soft power, aiming to shape regional narratives and public opinion in ways that align with Western or adversarial interests<ref>IPIS. (2024, May 5). The most prominent analytical opinions regarding the conflict between Iran and the Zionist regime. https://www.ipis.ir/en/subjectview/746389/the-most-prominent-analytical-opinions-regarding-the-conflict-between-iran-and-the-zionist-regime</ref>. For example, the influence of think tanks and their analyses in regional media is seen as a way to legitimize certain foreign policies and delegitimize Iran’s positions, particularly regarding resistance movements and regional deterrence strategies<ref>IPIS. (2024, May 5). The most prominent analytical opinions regarding the conflict between Iran and the Zionist regime. https://www.ipis.ir/en/subjectview/746389/the-most-prominent-analytical-opinions-regarding-the-conflict-between-iran-and-the-zionist-regime</ref>. | ||
* Policy Instrumentalization: Institutes may be perceived as supporting the strategic objectives of Western governments, especially in areas like sanctions, nuclear negotiations, and regional security, rather than genuinely advancing impartial peace<ref>Eslami, M. (2007). Iran's Foreign Policy Approaches toward International Organizations. World Studies Quarterly, 65218. https://wsps.ut.ac.ir/article_65218.html</ref> <ref>Shams, L., & Rahimi, H. (2018). Assessment of the Effects of Economic Sanctions on Iranians' Right to Health. Iranian Journal of Public Health, 47(1), 1–12. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5953521/</ref>. This is reinforced by the experience of economic sanctions, which, despite humanitarian exemptions, have had severe impacts on the Iranian population, leading to the belief that such measures are part of a broader strategy of coercion rather than peacebuilding<ref>Shams, L., & Rahimi, H. (2018). Assessment of the Effects of Economic Sanctions on Iranians' Right to Health. Iranian Journal of Public Health, 47(1), 1–12. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5953521/</ref>. | * Policy Instrumentalization: Institutes may be perceived as supporting the strategic objectives of Western governments, especially in areas like sanctions, nuclear negotiations, and regional security, rather than genuinely advancing impartial peace<ref>Eslami, M. (2007). Iran's Foreign Policy Approaches toward International Organizations. World Studies Quarterly, 65218. https://wsps.ut.ac.ir/article_65218.html</ref> <ref>Shams, L., & Rahimi, H. (2018). Assessment of the Effects of Economic Sanctions on Iranians' Right to Health. Iranian Journal of Public Health, 47(1), 1–12. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5953521/</ref>. This is reinforced by the experience of economic sanctions, which, despite humanitarian exemptions, have had severe impacts on the Iranian population, leading to the belief that such measures are part of a broader strategy of coercion rather than peacebuilding<ref>Shams, L., & Rahimi, H. (2018). Assessment of the Effects of Economic Sanctions on Iranians' Right to Health. Iranian Journal of Public Health, 47(1), 1–12. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5953521/</ref>. | ||