Soft power Studies

Scientific elites and new technologies as sources of soft power for the Islamic Republic of Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Amirali Ketabi

Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Theology and Religions, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract
Soft power, as one of the main components of national power in the knowledge-based era, plays a decisive role in enhancing the status of countries in the international system. In this framework, science, technology, and scientific elites, as strategic sources of soft power, can increase the attractiveness, legitimacy, and spiritual influence of countries. The Islamic Republic of Iran has created capacities to strengthen its soft power by focusing on producing science, training elites, and developing new technologies in areas such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, aerospace, and knowledge-based companies.

This article analyzes the role of scientific elites and new technologies in enhancing Iran's international image by utilizing Joseph Nye's soft power theory, Pierre Bourdieu's symbolic capital theory, and the framework of science diplomacy. The research method is qualitative and based on documentary analysis, and data were collected from scientific sources, official reports, and reliable databases.

The findings show that Iran's scientific elites, by producing indigenous knowledge, international scientific interactions, and participating in global scientific forums, can act as informal ambassadors of soft power. By playing a role in scientific narrative, cultural-civilizational modeling, and developing a knowledge-based economy, they provide capacities for a positive image of Iran at the regional and global levels. However, the realization of these roles is conditional on addressing challenges such as elite migration, weak media narrative, lack of coherent policy in scientific diplomacy, and the disconnect between elites and policymakers.

Keywords

Soft power
science diplomacy
elites
new technology
Islamic Republic of Iran
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