Il Movimento dei Non-Allineati come spazio di proiezione della politica estera iraniana nel corso degli anni Ottanta e dei primi anni Novanta

The renowned slogan «Neither East nor West» delineated the non-aligned aspirations of the newly established Islamic Republic of Iran. Following the 1979 Revolution, Iran aimed to pursue an independent foreign policy, free from the dualistic constraints imposed by the Cold War. For decades, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) has served as a significant platform for showcasing Iran’s foreign stance, reflecting the outcome of internal negotiations defining the country’s foreign policy. Concurrently, Iran has endeavored to cultivate relations beyond the NAM, with interactions among member states remaining relatively limited. Moreover, the concept of nonalignment has undergone various adaptations influenced by domestic economic and political considerations. This essay delves into the evolution of Iranian nonalignment, seeking to identify the political, both internal and foreign, and economic factors contributing to the country’s sustained involvement in the movement. It explores how the Islamic Republic has forged practical political and economic ties, seemingly conflicting with its nonaligned vision. The analysis focuses on the speeches and themes articulated by Iranian presidents and delegations during NAM and UN general assemblies and wants to elucidate how the movement has provided a platform for shaping Iran’s foreign policy and assess its current validity.