A just order in international relations refers to a system in which interactions and cooperation between countries are regulated based on principles of justice, equality, and mutual respect. This order aims to ensure equal rights for all countries and prevent inequalities stemming from military, economic, or political powers. The main characteristics of a just order in international relations are as follows:
- Equality of Sovereignties: All countries, regardless of their size, power, and wealth, possess equal rights and responsibilities within the international community.
- Respect for Human Rights: The protection and promotion of human rights on a global scale are considered fundamental principles.
- Rule of Law: International laws should be implemented impartially and without discrimination, with obligating all countries to observe them.
- Economic Justice: The distribution of resources and economic opportunities should aim to reduce severe inequalities, enabling less developed countries to achieve sustainable development as well.
- Peaceful Resolution of Disputes: Disputes should be resolved through negotiations, diplomacy, and the utilization of international institutions rather than resorting to force and violence.
- Respect for National Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity: Every country has the right to make decisions regarding its internal affairs without foreign interference.
- International Cooperation: Countries should cooperate to address global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and global poverty (Harvard University, 2021, https://shorturl.at/4OIT6).
These concepts are reflected in various international documents and institutions, such as the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The ultimate goal of establishing a just order in international relations is to foster a global community where peace, prosperity, and justice are ensured for all individuals.
Taking into account the key characteristics of a just order in international relations, Iran’s significant endeavors to promote a just order at the global level encompass opposing unilateralism in international relations, emphasizing the restructuring of the UN Security Council, objecting to unilateral and extraterritorial sanctions, supporting the right of nations to self-determination, enhancing economic and political cooperation with countries of the Global South, proposing the “Dialogue of Civilizations” initiative, and expressing criticism of the performance of international financial institutions.
Opposition to Unilateralism in International Relations
Promotion of Multilateralism
Iran consistently emphasizes the significance of multilateral cooperation and collective decision-making in international matters. This approach is evident in Iran’s active participation in nuclear negotiations with the P5+1 group, resulting in the establishment of the JCPOA agreement in 2015. Tehran maintains that intricate global issues necessitate collaborative cooperation and consensus rather than unilateral actions. Iranian officials have consistently stressed the importance of reinforcing multilateral institutions, notably the United Nations, in international forums. Iran views the 2018 unilateral withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA as a detrimental example of unilateralism that jeopardizes global stability and security (Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, 2020, https://rb.gy/g19hjb). Furthermore, Iran actively supports international endeavors to address issues such as climate change and counter-terrorism within multilateral frameworks.
Support for the Concept of a Multipolar World
Iran advocates for the concept of a multipolar world as opposed to a unipolar order. This stance is evident in Iran’s endeavors to enhance relations with emerging powers like China and Russia. An example of this approach is the 25-year cooperation agreement signed with China in 2021. This agreement encompasses extensive collaboration across various domains, including economics, politics, and culture (Reuters, 2021, https://cl.gy/QrvVb). Tehran has also bolstered its military and economic ties with Russia, entailing the procurement of military equipment, cooperation in the energy sector, and coordination on regional matters such as Syria. Iran contends that a multipolar world can foster a balance of power and mitigate the dominance of any one nation in the international system. According to Iran, this approach can contribute to a more equitable and balanced global order. Furthermore, Iran has lent support to the establishment of alternative institutions to Western-dominated financial and economic establishments, such as the BRICS New Development Bank (New Development Bank, 2024, https://www.ndb.int/).
Emphasis on Reforming the Structure of the UN Security Council
Iran has consistently advocated for the reformation of the UN Security Council structure in order to adequately represent developing nations. This matter has been consistently addressed in speeches delivered by Iranian officials at the UN General Assembly. Iran contends that the current structure of the Security Council, which grants veto power to five permanent members, fails to acknowledge the realities of the contemporary world and necessitates change. According to Iran, this structure has resulted in an imbalanced distribution of power in global decision-making. Tehran’s proposals encompass augmenting the number of permanent and non-permanent members of the Security Council, restricting the veto privilege, and establishing mechanisms to enhance the accountability of permanent members. Iran has also endorsed the notion of rotating permanent seats among diverse countries. The Islamic Republic of Iran asserts that restructuring the Security Council can contribute to the establishment of a more equitable global order and better representation of the interests of developing nations.
Opposition to Unilateral and Extraterritorial Sanctions
Iran consistently opposes unilateral sanctions, particularly those imposed by the United States. The Islamic Republic of Iran asserts that these sanctions are not only illegal but also have a negative impact on the lives of ordinary people. A notable example is Tehran’s opposition to US sanctions following its withdrawal from the JCPOA. Iran views these sanctions as a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which endorsed the JCPOA (Auswärtiges Amt, 2024, https://rb.gy/6o3d6w). Iranian officials have repeatedly referred to these sanctions as “economic terrorism” in international forums, including the United Nations. Iran also calls upon the international community to reject the extraterritorial application of US laws. The Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes that extraterritorial sanctions violate national sovereignty and international laws. Tehran has sought to mitigate the impact of these sanctions by establishing alternative financial mechanisms such as INSTEX (in cooperation with Europe) and by strengthening economic relations with countries such as China and Russia (Euractiv, 2020, https://shorturl.at/5hfBN).
Support for the Right to Self-Determination of Nations
Iran has consistently advocated for the right of nations to self-determination and firmly opposes foreign intervention in the internal affairs of countries. This principled stance is evident in Tehran’s approach to various regional and international issues. For instance, Iran strongly supports the rights of Palestinians and calls for a referendum, inclusive of all original inhabitants of Palestine, including Muslims, Jews, and Christians, to determine the future of the land (Valdai Discussion Club, 2024, https://shorturl.at/5PKGW). In the case of Syria, Iran emphasizes the right of the Syrian people to freely decide their political destiny, free from external interference. Furthermore, Tehran has explicitly voiced its opposition to foreign military interventions in countries such as Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. Iran firmly believes that such interventions not only infringe upon the national sovereignty of nations but also exacerbate instability and suffering for ordinary citizens. The country places great importance on political and diplomatic solutions as the means to resolve conflicts.
Strengthening Economic and Political Cooperation with Global South Countries
Iran has sought to enhance its relations with developing countries and emerging powers. This approach can be viewed as part of Iran’s strategy to counter Western pressures and forge new strategic alliances. An illustration of this approach is Tehran’s accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in 2021. This organization, comprising countries such as China, Russia, and India, presents fresh opportunities for economic and security cooperation for Iran (Atlantic Council, 2023, https://cl.gy/MHqEc). Additionally, Tehran has bolstered ties with Latin American nations like Venezuela and Cuba. These relationships encompass economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and mutual political support in international forums. In Africa, Iran has endeavored to expand its economic and diplomatic presence. These efforts involve investments in infrastructure projects, provision of technical assistance, and increased trade exchanges. Iran has also become a member of the BRICS group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, 2024, https://cl.gy/CmPcS). This move has the potential to strengthen the country’s position among emerging economies.
Proposing the “Dialogue of Civilizations” Initiative
The concept of the “Dialogue of Civilizations” was introduced by Mohammad Khatami, the former President of Iran, in 1998. The objective of this initiative was to enhance intercultural understanding and mitigate international tensions through dialogue and cultural exchange. This proposal received wide acceptance from the international community, leading the United Nations to designate 2001 as the “Year of Dialogue among Civilizations”. Under the framework of this initiative, Iran hosted several international conferences, bringing together intellectuals and politicians from around the world to explore avenues for improving intercultural understanding (The International Journal of Humanities, 2020, https://cl.gy/yWkFk). This initiative aimed to counter Samuel Huntington’s “Clash of Civilizations” theory and present a more optimistic vision of cultural and civilizational relations. Despite receiving relatively less attention in recent years, this initiative highlights Tehran’s commitment to providing diplomatic and cultural solutions to global challenges. The Islamic Republic of Iran continues to stress the significance of dialogue and intercultural understanding in international forums.
Critique of the Performance of International Financial Institutions
Iran has consistently voiced its criticism of international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. These criticisms revolve around several key points. One of Iran’s primary concerns is the perceived excessive influence of Western countries, particularly the United States, within these institutions. Tehran believes that the decision-making structure in these organizations gives disproportionate influence to major economic powers, mostly Western countries. From Iran’s perspective, this leads to policies that may not necessarily benefit developing countries.
Another issue highlighted by Tehran is the insufficient attention given to the interests of developing countries. Iran argues that the economic policies recommended by these institutions often rely on Western economic models and fail to consider the specific circumstances of developing nations (International Monetary Fund, 2023, https://cl.gy/rbwUi). For instance, Iran criticizes the IMF’s promotion of austerity measures, which can exacerbate poverty and inequality in developing countries.
A specific example of Iran’s criticism of these institutions’ performance relates to the loan request from the IMF in 2020 to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Tehran requested a $5 billion loan from the IMF’s Rapid Financing Instrument, but this request was rejected. Iran considered this decision political and influenced by US pressure, viewing it as an example of the IMF’s lack of impartiality in providing assistance to countries in need.
Iranian officials also take issue with the lending policies and conditions set by these institutions (International Monetary Fund, 2023, https://cl.gy/rbwUi). Tehran believes that the conditions attached to loan approvals often require the implementation of specific economic policies that may not align with the circumstances and unique needs of recipient countries. From Iran’s perspective, this is seen as interference in the domestic policies of nations and a violation of their national sovereignty.
Furthermore, Iran asserts that these institutions have not adequately responded to global economic crises. For example, Tehran criticizes the IMF and World Bank for their failure to predict and effectively manage the 2008 global financial crisis, as well as their subsequent inability to provide effective solutions to prevent similar crises in the future.
As a result of these criticisms, Iran advocates for structural reform within these institutions or the creation of alternative financial organizations. The Islamic Republic of Iran supports initiatives such as the establishment of the BRICS New Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) as steps towards creating a more equitable international financial system (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, 2024, https://aiib.org/en/index.html).
Overall, Iran’s critique of international financial institutions can be seen as part of its broader perspective on the global order. Iran calls for fundamental reforms in the structure of the international financial system, aiming for a system that takes into account the interests of all countries, particularly those in the developing world.
References:
- Harvard University (2021), What’s Fair in International Politics? Equity, Equality, and Foreign Policy Attitudes, Accessible at: https://shorturl.at/4OIT6
- Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation (2020), A worthless withdrawal: Two years since President Trump abandoned the JCPOA, Accessible at: https://rb.gy/g19hjb
- Auswärtiges Amt (2024), The Iranian nuclear program, Accessible at: https://rb.gy/6o3d6w
- Euractiv (2020), EU’s INSTEX mechanism facilitates first transaction with pandemic-hit Iran, Accessible at: https://shorturl.at/5hfBN
- Valdai Discussion Club (2024), The Main Axes of Iran’s Foreign Policy Toward the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict, Accessible at: https://shorturl.at/5PKGW
- Atlantic Council (2023), Iran joining the SCO isn’t surprising, But Beijing’s promotion of illiberal norms in Eurasia should get more attention, Accessible at: https://cl.gy/MHqEc
- Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (2024), BRICS enlargement – a “non-event” or a stage victory against the West?, Accessible at: https://cl.gy/CmPcS
- New Development Bank (2024), Financing for a sustainable future, Accessible at: https://www.ndb.int/
- The International Journal of Humanities (2020), Khatami’ Dialogue among Civilizations as International Political Theory, Accessible at: https://cl.gy/yWkFk
- Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (2024), Members and Prospective Members of the Bank, Accessible at: https://aiib.org/en/index.html
- International Monetary Fund (2023), The IMF’s Engagement with Middle East and Central Asian Countries During the Pandemic, Accessible at: https://cl.gy/rbwUi