Battle of the Ayatollahs in Iran: The United States, Foreign Policy, and Political Rivalry since 1979

The foreign policy agenda and behavior of the Islamic Republic of Iran is a critical challenge for the world. This book explains the internal policy process in Tehran by following two regime personalities, Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, and Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who before his death in January 2017 amassed some of the most powerful political positions in Iran. It analyzes their competing worldviews and interests, key moments of dispute, and personal ambitions to reveal how the domestic policy contest has shaped Tehran's actions on the regional and international stage.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The foreign policy agenda and behavior of the Islamic Republic of Iran present a significant challenge to the global community. However, it is crucial to understand the backgrounds, experiences, and interests of the principal actors within the Iranian regime that shape their foreign policy decisions. This book aims to shed light on the internal policy process in Tehran by examining the roles of two regime personalities: Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, and Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who held influential political positions in Iran until his passing in January 2017.

Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979, these two individuals have played pivotal roles in dictating the decision-making processes. However, their competing worldviews, interests, and personal ambitions have remained largely unknown. This book seeks to uncover these factors by analyzing the words and writings of Khamenei and Rafsanjani, as well as accounts provided by others.

The book encompasses a range of primary and secondary Iranian sources, including untapped memoirs, newspaper reports, Iranian electronic media, and personal interviews. These sources provide valuable insights into the principal rivalries that have shaped the trajectory of Iranian foreign policy throughout the lifespan of the Islamic Republic. By examining these sources, the book offers fresh perspectives on the present and future of Iranian foreign policy.

In conclusion, the foreign policy agenda and behavior of the Islamic Republic of Iran are complex and multifaceted. Understanding the backgrounds, experiences, and interests of the principal regime actors is essential for comprehending the challenges and opportunities posed by Iran's global presence. This book provides valuable insights into the internal policy process in Tehran and sheds light on the principal rivalries that have shaped Iranian foreign policy since 1979.

Weight: 552g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838601546