The Role of Paradiplomacy in Increasing Iran's National Power (A Case Study of Kermanshah Province and Iraqi Kurdistan)

In the modern era of globalization, the concept of national power has expanded beyond traditional boundaries, encompassing various facets that contribute to a country's ability to achieve its goals. The emergence of the Islamic Republic of Iran as a new power following the international anarchy and the Islamic Revolution has been acknowledged by global powers. To enhance its conventional indicators of national power, Iran has sought to adapt to the evolving definition of national power in the global community. Nuclear diplomacy, considered a vital component of national power, has driven Iran's efforts towards achieving its objectives. This article focuses on the significance of para-diplomacy as a new form of diplomacy in Iran's national power. The study explores how para-diplomacy can effectively contribute to Iran's medium and long-term goals, particularly in the post-JCPOA era, while promoting the realization of "resistance economy, action, and implementation" outlined in supra-national documents. The central question addressed is how para-diplomacy can empower Iran and advance its national interests within its foreign policy framework. To illustrate thepractical application of para-diplomacy, the paradiplomatic capacity of Kermanshah province, located within Iran, is evaluated as a case study. The hypothesis presented suggests that by focusing on geographic, political, economic, and cultural commonalities through non-state actors, paradiplomacy can strengthen relationships on various dimensions. Moreover, it possesses the potential to reinforce the pursuit of national and international objectives. In this context, Kermanshah province exhibits favorable prospects in terms of geographical, social, and economic aspects for establishing para-diplomatic relations with Iraqi Kurdistan. Among the potential options, Sulaymaniyah province is considered a preferable choice due to the numerous similarities shared. Finally, this abstract highlights the evolving nature of national power in the globalized world, emphasizing the importance of para-diplomacy for Iran's national power production 
and the advancement of its national interests in foreign policy. The case study of Kermanshah province serves to demonstrate how para-diplomacy, through leveraging commonalities and engaging non-state actors, can contribute to enhancing relations and achieving goals in multiple dimensions.