Expert Analysis of the Anti-Separatism System in Iran
International security expert Tamerlan Vagabov unveiled the mechanisms ensuring Iran's resilience to separatism and irredentism on the air of political analyst Yuri Romanenko. According to him, the stability of the country is based on three key elements: a special administrative division, the formation of a supra-ethnic identity, and the inclusion of key minorities in power.
Vagabov pointed out that the likelihood of the development of separatist movements and external irredentism in Iran is extremely low. This is because the country's administrative units — ostans — are created not by ethnic, but by administrative-geographical and economic principles.
'The administrative division of Iran is built not according to ethnic criteria, but based on administrative-geographical and economic principles.' — Tamerlan Vagabov
A long-term policy promoting a unified Iranian identity plays a crucial role. As the expert noted, for the past 40-50 years, a supra-national consciousness has been deliberately cultivated in the country.
'Iran has been promoting its Iranian supra-national identity for at least 40-50 years. It is not Persian, not Turkic, not Baluchi, not Arab, not Kurdish, and not Azerbaijani, but rather a common Iranian identity.' — Tamerlan Vagabov
This approach fosters in all citizens a sense of shared responsibility for the fate of the state. For understanding regional politics, it is important to note that Iran, being a multi-ethnic state, faces challenges similar to those existing in other countries of the Middle East and Central Asia.
The third factor of stability is the access of representatives of the largest ethnic groups to the highest state positions. Vagabov emphasized the following points:
- Key nationalities, especially Persians and Azerbaijanis, who are the most numerous, are allowed into the highest echelons of power.
- The current President of Iran is an Azerbaijani, as was the former leader Khamenei.
- The representation of these two groups at the highest level demotivates a large part of their members from participating in separatist or centrifugal processes.
Thus, the main factors of Iran's resilience to fragmentation are:
- thoughtful administrative-territorial organization,
- formation of a unified supra-national civic identity,
- integration of key ethnic minorities into the highest state bodies.
This experience demonstrates the importance of socio-political instruments for ensuring the integrity of the state, especially in countries with a complex ethnic composition, where this can become a source of conflicts. A strategic approach to territorial governance and national integration can serve as an example for other states facing similar problems. Understanding Iran's internal policy is also valuable for the international community in the context of security and cooperation with this country.