Iran: A Study in International Relations Theory and Practice

Iran;international relations;national security;nuclear weapons;area studies;revolutionary studies;shiism;Middle East;Government

Smith, Rachel L.Ginsberg, Benjamin ;

Johns Hopkins University

关键词: Iran;    international relations;    national security;    nuclear weapons;    area studies;    revolutionary studies;    shiism;    Middle East;    Government;   

Others  :  https://jscholarship.library.jhu.edu/bitstream/handle/1774.2/37230/SMITH-THESIS-2014.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

瑞士|英语

来源: JOHNS HOPKINS DSpace Repository

【 摘 要 】

Since the Iranian Revolution of 1979, Iran has threatened U.S. security interests, pursued greater regional dominance, and displayed belligerence toward U.S. allies.To mitigate these challenges, policymakers and scholars should seek a greater understanding of Iran’s behavior.This thesis portfolio provides insight into Iran’s international, regional, and national behavior by combining knowledge traditionally contained in area studies with revolutionary and international relations theories.In chapter one, the thesis considers the United States’ relationship with Iran, with a particular focus on determining what policies would most effectively lessen the threat of Iran’s nuclear program.This chapter recommends that the United States maintain sanctions, increase public diplomacy efforts, and continue engagement attempts towards Iran.Sanctions and negotiations should be conducted multilaterally, whenever possible, to increase U.S. legitimacy and ensure the prudent use of U.S. power.Chapter two considers how Shiism affects Iran’s posture in the Middle East.Although Shiism has an influence on Iran’s regional policies, this chapter argues that pragmatism plays a greater role in Iranian policymaking.Finally, by analyzing the stability of Iran’s regime through the lens of revolutionary theory, chapter three demonstrates that most scholars have likely overestimated the Iranian regime’s longevity.As discussed in this thesis portfolio, the United States must chart a course with Iran that simultaneously attempts to improve U.S.-Iran relations, mitigate security concerns, and reassure U.S. allies in the region.The United States’ relationship with Iran will likely remain strained, at least for the near future.However, a better understanding of the nation should enable scholars and policymakers to improve this relationship.