ABSTRACT

Iran's foreign policy approach based on its theocratic regime, and its strategy of Shia geopolitics for expanding the regional area of influence has manifested itself in Azerbaijan. Iran has sought to implement a religious ideological identity politics to extend its influence in Azerbaijan, which has mostly a Shia population. The identity politics in question has been performed through public diplomacy and direct political actions. This study aims to provide an in-depth examination of how Iran utilizes its religious ideology in pursuit of influence in Azerbaijan. Besides, it dives into political impacts on Azerbaijan caused by Iran's endeavour to exercise influence over Azerbaijan. By providing a conceptual framework for the place and employment of religion in International Relations and foreign policy, the study connects Iran's religious ideology with its foreign policy. Afterwards, it deals with the religion policy of Azerbaijan for the sake of interpreting the emergent political reactions in Azerbaijan, and lastly discusses the religious ideology in Iran's Azerbaijan policy. The research conducts a content analysis by using academic works, reports, government documents and news websites. Thus, the study demonstrates how political impacts of the complicated relations between Azerbaijan and Iran have been shaped in a religious ideological aspect.

JEL Classification: F51, N35, Z12