Linguistic and national identity of ethnic groups in modern Iran: a source of conflict or a tool for peace?

Iran is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world, which forms the unique expanse of Inner Asia. Ethnic, religious, national and linguistic identity create a cultural space that is often prone to uncertain and multi-layered identification- as on individual, so on the national levels. The complex process of self-recognition as member of a tribe and yet, as member of the whole Iranian nation, accounts for the ambiguous inter-cultural relations, especially in light of current politics. In this paper, opportunities to establish intercultural communication as a means to build sustainable peace in the country and in the region will be explored.

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