The Role of Nationalism in Arab-Iranian Relations: Historical and Ideological Dimensions

For the last decades Iran has been playing significant role in Middle Eastern politics. Tehran’s rooted involvement Arab’s political environments provokes tensions and hostilities Arab-Iranian relations. The author believes that historical legacy of interactions still determined some important characteristics In this article investigates nationalism national building process Arab countries Iran. He shows rise movement emergence new nation-states based on different ideological principals theoretical models politicized ethnic sectarian differences cultural rivalries. studies how developments various forms Iran, their approaches to state affected considers both Arabs have challenged internal dynamics regional transformations were forced instrumentalized as a protective tool secure legitimize suzerainty, establish presence provide interests region. practice, regards territorial, ethnic, religious disputes, frequently exaggerated Iranian threats Arabism overestimated nationalism, pan-Arabism ambitions for leadership. These fears converted into real politic spoiled stresses emphasizing Islamic feelings at expense particular after revolution 1979 giving up secular ideas favor Islamism “Arab Spring” brought neither reconciliation, nor normalization pays special attention dynamic view power mechanism politics East.