Stanford: CREEES seminar: "Iran and the Hazaras of Afghanistan: The Decline of Tehran's Soft Power" Short synopsis of my talk’s proposed content: Iran’s influence in Afghanistan is unique in that it has not historically derived from support for militant groups, but instead from “soft power” especially through Afghanistan’s Shiite Hazaras people. The Hazaras share language, religion and culture with Iran, and constitute approximately 10-15 percent of the Afghan population. Over the last four years, Iran has accelerated its soft power efforts through Hazaras by investing in construction projects, increasing trade and promoting its ideology. Iran has also engaged in cultural exchange programs and provided humanitarian aid and scholarships. Books, DVDs and pamphlets promoting anti-Zionist and anti-American sentiments have been distributed to Hazara communities. Despite investing significant resources in these efforts, Iran has not achieved the influence ...
sporadic thoughts and reflections of an anthropology phd student