Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Communication and Media

Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Communication and Media

Explaining the Capacities of Iran's Media Diplomacy in Increasing Convergence With Tajikistan (With a Grounded Theory Approach)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Roya Movaffagh 1
Norooz Hashem Zehi 2
Mandana Saniee 3
1 ,Ph. D in Communication Sciences, Faculty of Humanities Sciences, East Tehran branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Assistant professor, Department of Communication and Social Sciences, East Tehran branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran (Corresponding Author)
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Sciences, East Tehran branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
10.22085/jiscm.2025.483240.1743
Abstract
Iran and Tajikistan have many commonalities in various fields; this has made the convergence of these two countries in all matters important. On the one hand, bringing Tajikistan along with Iran’s regional and international policies requires increasing soft power and accepting Iran’s policies and positions among the Tajik public and elite. One of the solutions to increase convergence is the optimal use of media diplomacy. Hence, the present study seeks to answer the question of how media diplomacy can increase the convergence of these two countries? This study was conducted qualitatively and through interviews with 12 media experts who have lived in Tajikistan for at least two years. The findings were also validated by selective credibility. According to the study findings, the factors influencing media diplomacy include: A- Causal factors: cultural and linguistic affinities, customs and traditions, domestic and foreign political factors; B- Mediating factors: geopolitics, international partners and economic factors; and C- Contextual factors: security concerns, religious unity and military preparedness. The necessity to adopt a new approach in the cultural field, active and intelligent media diplomacy, recognition of ethnicities and commonalities, respect for the sovereignty of Tajikistan and finally, the speed of the media in strengthening relations between the two countries are among the results of this research.
Keywords
Media Diplomacy
Convergence
Iran
Tajikistan
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