A Realistic View on Iran

A Realistic View on Iran
Author: Cory Contini
Publisher: GRIN Verlag
Total Pages: 11
Release: 2013-07-18
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 3656462089

Essay from the year 2010 in the subject Politics - Region: Near East, Near Orient, grade: B, Ottawa University, course: International relations and Global Politics, language: English, abstract: Globalization is the most commonly used word to describe the increasing interconnectedness between nations. In this modern era, it is almost impossible not to be affected by a global issue in some way or another. For example, the strengthening of airport security and the increased scrutiny was felt by all air travellers after the attacks of 9/11. There are many different theories that scholars adhere to in order to make sense of these issues such as liberalism, Marxism, or constructivism but "realism has been the dominant theory of world politics since the beginning of academic International Relations" (Baylis & Smith, 2008, p.95) which falls under the positivist umbrella. To test the validity and applicability of realism, this paper will analyze Iran's nuclear program through the lens of a realist to understand why there has been so much tension surrounding their nuclear advancements. Of course, there are many different variations of realism but for the purpose of this paper, a `unified realism' will be used which is explained more in detail later. Ultimately, if realism can reasonably identify and mutually relate some of the key concepts that are found in this global issue, then it will be considered a success. Much like realism, Iran's nuclear program has a long and distinct history. The Wikipedia page alone regarding Iran's nuclear history is over 50 pages long with no less than 400 citations; it is quite extensive to say the least. The history extends back to the 1950s after a U.S. governmentaided coup d'etat forced the democraticallyelected Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh out of office, bringing Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi to power (Deluce, 2003). With the help and protection of the United States, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's ran a dictatorshipmonarchy with strong allegiance to the Americans. The Peace for Atoms program initiated by former U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower is what helped Iran actually construct their first nuclear facility in 1967 but it would not have been possible without the overthrown government. Iran then signed and ratified the Nuclear NonProliferation Treaty (NPT), thus becoming subject to verification by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Inside Iran

Inside Iran
Author: Medea Benjamin
Publisher: OR Books
Total Pages: 250
Release: 2018
Genre: History
ISBN: 9781944869656

U.S. relations with Iran have been fraught for decades, but under the Trump Administration tensions are rising to startling levels. Medea Benjamin, one of the best-known 21st century activists, offers the incredible history of how a probable alliance became a bitter antagonism in this accessible and fascinating story. In 1979, the Iranian Revolution brought a full-scale theocracy to the 80 million inhabitants of the Middle East's second largest country, with. The rule of the ayatollahs opened the door to Islamic fundamentalism. In the decades since, bitter relations have persisted between the U.S. and Iran. Yet how is it that Iran has become the primary target of American antagonism over nations like Saudi Arabia, whose appalling human rights violations fail to depose it as one of America's closest allies in the Middle East? In the first general-audience book on the subject, Medea Benjamin elucidates the mystery behind this complex relationship, recounting the country's history from the pre-colonial period to its emergence as the one nation Democrats and Republicans alike can unite in denouncing. Benjamin has traveled several times to Iran, and uses her firsthand experiences with politicians, activists, and everyday citizens to provide a deeper understanding of the complexities of Iranian society. Tackling common misconceptions about Iran's system of government, its religiosity, and its citizens' way of life, Benjamin makes short work of the inflammatory rhetoric surrounding U.S.-Iranian relations, and presents a realistic and hopeful case for the two nations' future.

Inside Iran

Inside Iran
Author: Medea Benjamin
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2018-05
Genre:
ISBN: 9781682191408

The Iranian Puzzle Piece

The Iranian Puzzle Piece
Author: Marine Corps University (U.S.)
Publisher: Government Printing Office
Total Pages: 116
Release: 2009
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN:

Purpose: A one-day international symposium hosted by the Marine Corps University (MCU) and the Marine Corps University Foundation to enhance the overall understanding of Iran, exploring its internal dynamics, regional perspectives, and extra-regional factors and examining its near-term political and strategic options and their potential impact on the course of action of the United States and the USMC.

U.S.-Iranian Engagement

U.S.-Iranian Engagement
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 26
Release: 2009
Genre: Iran
ISBN:

For perhaps the first time since Iran and the U.S. broke ties in 1980, there are real prospects for fundamental change. The new U.S. president, Barack Obama, stated willingness to talk unconditionally. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, implicitly blessed dialogue, and presidential candidates are vying to prove they would be the most effective interlocutor. Yet, while U.S. objectives and tactics are relatively familiar, little is known of Iran's thinking, even as much is assumed. Western interaction with its opaque political system and decision-making has both shrivelled and been narrowly focused on the nuclear file. Understanding Iran's perspective is critical if engagement is to succeed. This briefing, based on meetings with officials and analysts, seeks to shed light on what Tehran thinks about dialogue, its goals and visions of a future relationship. It concludes that while full normalisation might be out of reach for now, there is a chance to achieve a more realistic objective: the start of a long-term dialogue that minimises risks of confrontation and advances areas of mutual interest.

Factional Politics in Post-Khomeini Iran

Factional Politics in Post-Khomeini Iran
Author: Mehdi Moslem
Publisher: Syracuse University Press
Total Pages: 388
Release: 2002-11-01
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 9780815629788

Insightful and informative, Mehdi Moslem's is the first book to provide a detailed account of Iran's post-revolutionary politics. A profound analysis of the diverse political, sociocultural, economic, and foreign policy issues that have engulfed revolutionary Islamic Iran since its inception, this book is not only a must read for those interested in contemporary Iran but also an indispensable book for teachers of contemporary Middle East affairs and scholars of Islamic politics. Since the landslide victory of President Mohammed Khatami in May 1997, the official line of the Islamic Republic of Iran has been a study in contradictions. On one hand, Khatami condemned Iran's past fanaticism, declaring his nation eager to embrace global standards based on mutual respect between nations regardless of ideologies: on the other hand, an opposing faction continues to perpetrate Iran's enmity toward the West, America in particular. These two main factions also present competing versions of current national policies, and consequently the regime appears simultaneously to be practical and ideological—and to outsiders unfathomable.

The Iran Primer

The Iran Primer
Author: Robin B. Wright
Publisher: US Institute of Peace Press
Total Pages: 282
Release: 2010
Genre: History
ISBN: 1601270844

A comprehensive but concise overview of Iran's politics, economy, military, foreign policy, and nuclear program. The volume chronicles U.S.-Iran relations under six American presidents and probes five options for dealing with Iran. Organized thematically, this book provides top-level briefings by 50 top experts on Iran (both Iranian and Western authors) and is a practical and accessible "go-to" resource for practitioners, policymakers, academics, and students, as well as a fascinating wealth of information for anyone interested in understanding Iran's pivotal role in world politics.

Treacherous Alliance

Treacherous Alliance
Author: Trita Parsi
Publisher: Yale University Press
Total Pages: 381
Release: 2007-10-01
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0300138067

This award-winning study traces the shifting relations between Israel, Iran, and the U.S. since 1948—including secret alliances and treacherous acts. Vitriolic exchanges between the leaders of Iran and Israel are a disturbingly common feature of the news cycle. But the real roots of their enmity mystify Washington policymakers, leaving no promising pathways to stability. In Treacherous Alliance, U.S. foreign policy expert Trita Parsi untangles to complex and often duplicitous relationship among Israel, Iran, and the United States from 1948 to the present. In the process, he reveals shocking details of unsavory political maneuverings that have undermined Middle Eastern peace and disrupted U.S. foreign policy initiatives in the region. Parsi draws on his unique access to senior American, Iranian, and Israeli decision makers to present behind-the-scenes revelations that will surprise even the most knowledgeable readers: Iran’s prime minister asks Israel to assassinate Khomeini; Israel reaches out to Saddam Hussein after the Gulf War; the United States foils Iran’s plan to withdraw support from Hamas and Hezbollah; and more. Treacherous Alliance not only revises our understanding of the recent past, it also spells out a course for the future. An Arthur Ross Book Award Silver Medal Winner A Choice Magazine Outstanding Academic Title

Revolution Or Realism?

Revolution Or Realism?
Author: Bruce Leroy Woodyard
Publisher:
Total Pages: 140
Release: 1993
Genre: Iran
ISBN:

The end of the Cold War has caused the emergence of regional conflicts and a lack of focus in United States foreign policy. This situation, has resulted in a newly confrontational stance with Tehran, manifested by an American policy of containment of the Islamic Republic. However, this portrayal of Iran as a pervasive threat to American interests is a mistake. This study offers an historical analysis of Iran's foreign policy interests and strategic outlook, a discussion of the dynamics of the Islamic Republic, and a history of United States-Iran relations. Strategic concerns have always dominated this relationship, and this continues to be so today. With the Soviet collapse and the defeat of Iraq, an altered and delicate balance of power exists in Southwest Asia. Iran's strategic importance has thus increased. Furthermore, Tehran must pursue moderation for a variety of reasons. The author concludes that the United States and Iran share both strategic and economic interests. America should pursue these shared interests from its current position of strength and gain Iran's cooperation on important issues. United States engagement with Iran would strengthen the pragmatic elements in the government, foster economic development and improve the security and stability of the region. Iran, Persian/Arabian Gulf, Middle East, Iranian revolution, Islamic ideology, Foreign policy.

Democracy in Iran

Democracy in Iran
Author: Misagh Parsa
Publisher: Harvard University Press
Total Pages: 417
Release: 2016-11-07
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0674974298

The Green Movement protests that erupted in Iran in 2009 amid allegations of election fraud shook the Islamic Republic to its core. For the first time in decades, the adoption of serious liberal reforms seemed possible. But the opportunity proved short-lived, leaving Iranian activists and intellectuals to debate whether any path to democracy remained open. Offering a new framework for understanding democratization in developing countries governed by authoritarian regimes, Democracy in Iran is a penetrating, historically informed analysis of Iran’s current and future prospects for reform. Beginning with the Iranian Revolution of 1979, Misagh Parsa traces the evolution of Iran’s theocratic regime, examining the challenges the Islamic Republic has overcome as well as those that remain: inequalities in wealth and income, corruption and cronyism, and a “brain drain” of highly educated professionals eager to escape Iran’s repressive confines. The political fortunes of Iranian reformers seeking to address these problems have been uneven over a period that has seen hopes raised during a reformist administration, setbacks under Ahmadinejad, and the birth of the Green Movement. Although pro-democracy activists have made progress by fits and starts, they have few tangible reforms to show for their efforts. In Parsa’s view, the outlook for Iranian democracy is stark. Gradual institutional reforms will not be sufficient for real change, nor can the government be reformed without fundamentally rethinking its commitment to the role of religion in politics and civic life. For Iran to democratize, the options are narrowing to a single path: another revolution.