Art and Exceptionalism in Global Politics: The Role of Cinema in Representing Iranian National and Civilizational Exceptionalism

This research investigates the intricate nexus of artistic expression, political discourse, and civilizational identity through the analytical framework of Iranian cinema. It posits that cinema serves as a primary vehicle for articulating Iranian national identity and "exceptionalist" claims within the sphere of global politics. By synthesizing theories of exceptionalism in International Relations (IR) with cultural studies, this article identifies Iranian cinema as a potent instrument of cultural diplomacy. The study employs a qualitative approach, analyzing how symbolic narratives and visual aesthetics contribute to the projection of a unique "civilizational self" that challenges Western-centric interpretations of modernity. Findings suggest that while the Iranian state utilizes cinema for soft power projection, the medium also provides a space for nuanced negotiations of identity that transcend official ideologies, thereby constructing a multifaceted form of Iranian exceptionalism.