Capacities of Grassroots Public Diplomacy with Emphasis on the Role of New Media in Narrating Iranian-Islamic Civilization in the International Arena

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Professor, Department of Journalism, Faculty of Communication Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University,Tehran

2 PhD Candidate in Communication Sciences, Faculty of Communication Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

This study aims to examine the role of grassroots public diplomacy in introducing and representing the civilizational capacities of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the international arena. The central research question addresses how, in a context where mainstream media predominantly project stereotypical and negative images of Iran, grassroots narratives, new media, and non-state actors can contribute to redefining the image of the Iranian-Islamic civilization globally. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach within the frameworks of public diplomacy, soft power, and alternative media, the study seeks to provide a theoretical framework for linking civilizational capacities with digital storytelling. The research method is based on documentary and library studies, with data collected from books, scholarly articles, and reputable reports. The findings indicate that combining civilizational assets with grassroots public diplomacy and creatively utilizing new media can serve as an effective tool for enhancing Iran’s international image and strengthening its soft power in the competition of narratives.

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Main Subjects


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Volume 5, Issue 17 - Serial Number 17
Spring 2026
May 2026
Pages 91-116
  • Receive Date: 09 September 2025
  • Revise Date: 28 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 26 October 2025
  • Publish Date: 21 April 2026