94

Since 1979, Iran has been an Islamic Republic led by the Shi’a clergy that holds most of the power, thus corresponding to the very definition of a theocracy. At the same time, the regime has an elective dimension with a very selective and tightly controlled recourse to citizens’ voting. The Islamic Republic also considers itself as a revolutionary state, challenging the international order. While reference to religion and revolution is essential in the elaboration of foreign policy for such a system, maintaining the regime and strengthening its security may in some cases require a degree of pragmatism and bending of ideological views. Indeed, Iran’s foreign policy fluctuates between ideology (religion and revolutionism) and Realpolitik.