Representation of the Foreign Policy of the I.R. of Iran in the English-Language Media of Central Asia)Astana Times and the Times of Central Asia(

Introduction: In recent years, the Islamic Republic of Iran's foreign policy has shifted increasingly towards Central Asia as a strategic axis within the framework of its Eurasian expansion. This orientation reflects Iran's efforts to overcome geopolitical isolation and economic sanctions through regional integration, particularly with countries like Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Central Asia's evolving role as a geopolitical crossroads for major global powers has increased its importance in Iran's multilateral diplomacy. Within this framework, media representations of Iran's foreign policy have become critical venues for establishing international legitimacy and shaping public perception. English-language media outlets based in the region, such as The Astana Times and The Times of Central Asia, play a pivotal role in shaping Iran’s regional image for domestic and international audiences. These representations are not neutral reflections of events but are shaped by editorial policies, institutional affiliations, and geopolitical orientations of their host countries. Therefore, understanding how Iran’s foreign policy discourse is constructed in these media can reveal deeper ideological narratives and strategic intentions. This study seeks to examine such representations through a critical comparative discourse of two newspapers.
Research question: How do the Astana Times and the Times of Central Asia present different representations of Iran’s foreign policy, and what geopolitical and editorial factors influence these depictions?
Research hypothesis: This study hypothesizes that the differing representations of Iranian foreign policy in The Astana Times and The Times of Central Asia are due to differences in editorial orientation and the political and cultural environments of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. These structural and contextual distinctions lead to the construction of Iran as either a cooperative regional actor or a destabilizing geopolitical force.
Methodology and theoretical framework: This research employs a qualitative methodology grounded in the principles of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), enabling a systematic examination of the interplay between language, ideology, and power in media texts. The study employs a three-dimensional model, comprising textual description, discursive interpretation, and Sociopolitical explanation, to uncover both explicit and implicit meanings in news discourse. Data were collected through purposive sampling of articles published between 2021 and 2025 in The Astana Times and The Times of Central Asia newspapers, focusing on coverage related to Iran’s regional diplomacy. Linguistic features, including lexical choices, syntactic structures, and the presence or absence of Iranian sounds, were analyzed to identify discursive patterns. The theoretical foundation of this research is based on a constructivist approach to representation, particularly Stuart Hall’s notion that meaning is actively constructed through language in specific ideological and institutional contexts. This framework assumes that the media do not simply reflect reality but instead participate in shaping it through selective framing and narrative strategies. By integrating critical discourse analysis (CDA) with theories of media representation, the study aims to uncover deeper structures that shape how Iranian foreign policy is portrayed in Central Asian media.
Results and discussion: The findings indicate a clear divergence in the discursive framework of Iranian foreign policy between these two media outlets. The Astana Times portrays Iran as a rational, cooperative, and development-oriented actor engaged in regional economic integration and diplomatic initiatives. The use of constructive language, emphasis on official statements, and focus on trade and cooperation demonstrate Kazakhstan’s alignment with the Eurasian narrative based on stability. In contrast, The Times of Central Asia portrays Iran as a source of regional tension and unpredictability, often highlighting security threats and excluding Iran’s diplomatic voice. This media outlet examines Iran's actions through the lens of crisis and danger, using terms such as "instability," "conflict," and "escalation." These differences are not incidental but rather reflect the broader geopolitical and institutional contexts in which each media outlet operates. Iran's presence or absence in news texts significantly shapes regional public perceptions of Iran’s legitimacy. Overall, the discursive strategies employed by these newspapers reveal competing ideological projects regarding Iran’s role in Central Asia.
Conclusion: This study shows that media representations of Iranian foreign policy in Central Asia are shaped by distinct discursive logics that reflect deeper geopolitical alignments and editorial frameworks. In line with Kazakhstan's development and diplomatic approach, Astana Times introduces Iran as a constructive and legitimate regional actor. In contrast, The Times of Central Asia adopts a security-centered narrative that portrays Iran as a destabilizing force, thereby fueling an image of risk and uncertainty. These divergent images are not simply journalistic choices but are rooted in broader symbolic contests over regional order and international legitimacy. The selective use of language, the presence or absence of Iranian voices, and the prioritization of specific themes all contribute to these conflicting discourses. Such media framing has a direct impact on how political elites and the general public in Central Asia perceive Iran and affects regional diplomatic dynamics. The findings highlight the strategic function of the media not only in producing news but also in producing political meaning in a contested regional environment. Therefore, the image of Iran in Central Asia is not stable or universal but somewhat shaped by competing narratives with different ideological commitments. Addressing these differences requires Iran to increase its engagement in regional media arenas and promote alternative narratives through strategic communication. Ultimately, this study highlights the necessity for Iran to adopt a more proactive and nuanced approach to public diplomacy, thereby countering negative representations and advancing its foreign policy objectives.