The contemporary international order, with rapid changes and significant geopolitical transformations, is transitioning towards a new order in which the foreign policy of states is increasingly economic-centered, and the logic of economic give-and-take has gained a central role in foreign interactions. In such a context, economic diplomacy has become the main tool for integration into global value chains and for positioning in the international economy. This article, relying on the theoretical framework of international political economy, particularly the perspectives of Robert Gilpin and Susan Strange, examines the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran from the perspective of the capabilities and obstacles of economic centrism. The research utilizes an analytical-documentary method, selecting five key areas-international trade, global finance, multinational corporations, North-South relations, and the concept of hegemony-as the main indicators for analysis. The findings show that Iran's foreign policy, despite the rhetorical emphasis on the economy, lacks the necessary structural and strategic coherence to achieve effective economic diplomacy. As a result, without a fundamental rethink of the foreign policy view on the economic components of power, the possibility of playing an active and sustainable role in the new global order will not be provided.
Introduction
In recent years, the international system has experienced profound transformations in economic, technological, and institutional domains, fundamentally reshaping the foreign policy priorities of states. Traditional elements of power, including military capabilities, geopolitical positioning, and ideological discourse, have gradually become insufficient to secure a nation’s influence. Economic considerations and the capacity to engage effectively in global economic structures have increasingly emerged as critical determinants of national power. Economic diplomacy has become a principal instrument for states to integrate into global value chains, attract investment, and enhance strategic influence. Many countries have successfully aligned foreign policy with economic objectives, leveraging institutional networks, trade relations, and financial mechanisms to achieve sustainable development and international standing. Despite Iran’s significant geo-economic advantages, including abundant energy resources, strategic transit location, and a highly educated workforce, its foreign policy continues to prioritize traditional security and geopolitical concerns over economic opportunities. The repeated rhetorical emphasis on concepts such as "resistance economy," "economic diplomacy," and "production leap" contrasts sharply with the lack of structural alignment necessary for effective economic engagement. This study investigates the obstacles preventing Iran from fully adopting an economy-centered foreign policy and explores the structural and institutional reforms required to reposition Iran in the global economic order.
Theoretical Framework
This research is grounded in the international political economy perspectives of Susan Strange and Robert Gilpin. Strange’s concept of structural power emphasizes the ability of states to shape international economic rules, priorities, and behaviors rather than relying solely on coercion. She identifies production, finance, security, and knowledge as critical domains through which a state can exert influence. In this context, economic diplomacy depends on a state’s capacity to secure advantageous positions within these structures and leverage them strategically. Gilpin’s framework underscores the interaction between geopolitical interests and economic power, highlighting that failure to align political strategy with economic logic constrains national capabilities. By integrating these approaches, the study frames Iran’s foreign policy as a system influenced by institutional, structural, and discursive factors that collectively determine the effectiveness of economic engagement. The theoretical framework thus provides a lens to analyze how Iran’s structural position in international economic institutions and its domestic capacity affect its ability to conduct coherent economic diplomacy.
Methodology
The study employs a descriptive-analytical approach based on documentary research. Key domains—international trade, global finance, multinational corporations, North–South relations, and hegemony—were examined as indicators of structural capacity and alignment with economic objectives. Data were gathered from official documents, policy statements, and secondary literature. Analytical techniques were applied to evaluate the coherence between rhetoric and actual foreign policy practice, identifying structural constraints and strategic gaps
Discussion
The analysis reveals significant structural and institutional gaps that hinder Iran’s economy-centered foreign policy. Across the examined domains, Iran demonstrates limited participation in global economic institutions, inefficient trade and tariff systems, and restricted access to international financial networks. The absence of strong multinational corporations and technological integration further weakens structural positioning. Iran’s adversarial approach toward global South partnerships and reliance on hard power instruments exacerbate the marginalization of economic priorities. From Gilpin’s perspective, Iran fails to reconcile geopolitical imperatives with the strategic use of economic power, missing opportunities for leverage in regional and global negotiations. According to Strange, the fragile structural position in critical domains such as production, finance, and knowledge constrains Iran’s influence, even if policy discourse favors economic objectives. This misalignment limits foreign investment, technological development, integration into global value chains, and participation in multilateral initiatives such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Belt and Road Initiative. Economic power is not merely complementary to political power; it is foundational. Without addressing institutional and structural deficits, Iran’s foreign policy remains reactive and fragmented, compromising its ability to achieve sustainable development and effective engagement in the evolving global order.
Conclusion
The study concludes that Iran’s inability to adopt an economy-centered foreign policy stems not only from external pressures, such as sanctions, but also from internal asymmetries at structural, institutional, and discursive levels. Effective economic diplomacy requires comprehensive rethinking of the intellectual, institutional, and structural foundations guiding foreign policy. Transitioning toward an economy-oriented approach demands reforms to align domestic capacity, structural positioning, and decision-making processes with the logic of global economic power. Strengthening multilateral engagement, fostering domestic economic actors, and integrating into international financial and trade networks are essential steps to overcome existing constraints. Only through such holistic transformation can Iran leverage its economic potential to enhance geopolitical influence, secure sustainable development, and play an active and stable role in the emerging global order. Reconciling geopolitical priorities with economic strategy is imperative for coherent and forward-looking foreign policy outcomes.