BCSIA Studies in International Security: The Limits of Culture

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In recent years, analysts have highlighted the role of cultural interests—ethnicity, religion, and ideology—in shaping conflict and alliances, suggesting that future international relations will be dominated by the clash of civilizations. This exploration focuses on the impact of culture on foreign policy in the geopolitically significant Caspian region, particularly among Islamic republics such as Iran, Taliban Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Contributors argue that, contrary to popular belief, culture is often less influential than other factors in determining these countries' foreign policies. For instance, Iran may pursue policies that contradict its official ideology without facing domestic backlash. Additionally, countries may align despite differing religious beliefs or cultural backgrounds, as seen in the trade and security cooperation between Christian Armenia and non-Christian Iran. The contributors assert that cultural identities are adaptable, allowing states to pursue diverse policies aligned with their material interests. Overall, the emerging foreign policies of the Caspian states challenge the culturalist perspective, suggesting that practical considerations often outweigh cultural affiliations in international relations.