According to the Public Relations Office of the Research Institute for Islamic Culture and Thought, quoting from IQNA, Hojjat al-Islam wa al-Muslimeen Seyed Kazem Seyed Bagheri, head of the political science department at the Institute, spoke on the 2nd of Ordibehesht (April) during a panel on “Resistance in the Foundations and Sources of Religion,” part of the International Conference on Islamic Human Sciences organized by the Research Institute for Islamic Culture and Thought. He emphasized that when we look at the practical scenario, we see that resistance is not a choice, but an inevitable and urgent necessity for the Islamic community and all freedom-seeking people of the world. He said, “Naturally, we have no choice but to address it and examine its various aspects.”
He further explained that historical experience has shown that oppressors and exploiters do not stop interfering with Islamic societies. He added that there are several strategies in this arena, with the first being power. “Power is not only hard power, but also soft power. While hard power is essential because imperialism uses its military strength to coerce others, it also rightly utilizes soft power. Soft power can present an accurate image of resistance to the world and persuade public opinion.”
Seyed Bagheri highlighted that soft power is a significant and remarkable capacity, yet we have not appropriately utilized its cultural, value-based, and media attractions for impact. He said, “This issue has changed over the past year and a half. Before that, Zionists tried to claim that Jews and the people of the occupied lands had suffered historical injustice and needed a place of their own, and some naïve individuals accepted this. However, in the past year and a half, we have witnessed a new shift in global public opinion.”
The Research Institute for Islamic Culture and Thought faculty member emphasized, “People from all walks of life and beliefs, with their hearts and souls, saw that this regime commits various crimes without adhering to any values, ethics, or standards. Therefore, the role of public opinion, public diplomacy, and media is crucial in this matter.”
He also called for the creation of a cultural alliance among Islamic countries.
Referring to the noble verse: “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good admonition, and argue with them in the best way. Indeed, your Lord knows most who has strayed from His way and He is most knowledgeable of the rightly guided.” (Quran, 16:125), Seyed Kazem Seyed Bagheri, head of the political science department at the Research Institute for Islamic Culture and Thought, stated that defending the narrative of truth is essential, and this is a Quranic strategy. He said, “Today, the war of narratives is an all-out war, and media outlets that have the power to influence public opinion must work towards creating a cultural alliance among the elites of the Islamic world.”
Seyed Bagheri added, “Currently, people, Muslims, academics, and elites across the world are seeking to counter the discourse of the Zionist regime, and we must use the capacities of elites and media to support the cause of resistance so that this alliance can be formed globally, preventing the spread of lies and misinformation by enemy media.”
The head of the political science department also referred to the strategy of cooperation and engagement with other countries, particularly neighboring Arab and Islamic countries. He said, “These countries have influence and power, and establishing good, sincere relations with them is important. This is a diplomatic, dialogue-based, and cooperative strategy that can prevent the enemies of resistance from playing a role, and we have a greater duty to do this than ever before.”
He continued, “We must consider resistance as legitimate, necessary, and essential and justify it. When we do not have good relations with neighboring countries, the space for the enemies of resistance will naturally grow. Therefore, engagement with Saudi Arabia in this regard is helpful, even though we have severe fundamental disagreements.”
A faculty member of the Research Institute for Islamic Culture and Thought emphasized the importance of highlighting the ethical dimension of resistance, stating, “One of the roles of this issue is to counter the psychological and propaganda warfare of the enemies. Whenever the enemy imposes a multitude of terms on the minds and thought processes of the audience, if we do not have a presence, we have vacated the scene. Resistance is not just a military action; it must be defined as an ethical and legitimate discourse for the defense of human dignity and the struggle against oppressors.”
Using Soft Power Alongside Hard Power
He further explained that enemies use both hard and soft power, and we must also use this strategy to strengthen the resistance front. “Another important strategy is the strategy of dignity and human and Islamic honor,” he emphasized, quoting the Quran, “Whoever desires honor, then to Allah belongs all honor” (Quran, 35:10).
Seyed Bagheri remarked, “The spirit of human and Islamic dignity is not merely a moral concept but a fundamental principle that can strengthen the relationships between the Islamic Ummah and the resistance front. We should not humbly accept everything the enemies say. Instead, resistance against humiliation and imposition should be emphasized, and attention should be given to the principle of dignity while setting aside the culture of submission and dependence.”
He added, “The Quran states in verse 200 of Surah Al-Imran: ‘O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may succeed.’ Patience means that a person resists challenges and hardships and remains steadfast. When we speak of ‘perseverance,’ it refers to social resistance and social patience, which is an interactive process.”
Seyed Bagheri emphasized, “Today, the Islamic world needs mutual support more than ever. This means that the world must both have social patience in the face of enemies and encourage others to be patient. Patience is a capacity that can serve as a strategic principle for confronting the enemy.”
The head of the political science department concluded with a final point on solidarity and unity, quoting the Quran: “Indeed, this ummah of yours is one ummah, and I am your Lord, so worship Me” (Quran, 21:92). He said, “A united resistance front can bring all nations and people of resistance together against the common enemy and stand firm against the greed of the enemies.”
