Cultural Heritage as a Lever for Public Diplomacy: An Analysis of the Role of Tangible and Intangible Heritage in Enhancing the Soft Power of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Radio and Television of Iran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract
Soft power, the ability to influence others through charm and persuasion rather than coercion or force, is one of the main pillars of modern foreign policy. The Islamic Republic of Iran, with its rich treasure trove of tangible (such as Persepolis, Isfahan, and historic mosques) and intangible (such as music, literature, and national celebrations) cultural heritage, has great potential to use this capacity in the international arena. This article, using a descriptive-analytical method, examines how cultural heritage can be transformed into a tool of public diplomacy and its role in improving Iran's image and increasing regional and global influence. The findings show that although the necessary infrastructure exists, weaknesses in cultural marketing, economic sanctions, and the lack of an integrated cultural diplomacy strategy have prevented the maximum exploitation of this soft power. The research results also indicate that effective utilization of cultural heritage capacities requires formulating a long-term strategy, strengthening digital diplomacy, active participation of the private sector, and establishing coordination between responsible institutions so that Iran can effectively utilize its cultural capital to enhance its international status and strengthen its soft power.

Keywords