Iran's Foreign Policy: Elite Factionalism, Ideology, the Nuclear Weapons Program, and the United States

This book analyzes domestic and international factors that have influenced Iran's foreign policy since 1979, including the perspectives of the ruling elite, civil society, and opposition groups. It also examines the interactions between Iran's policies and those of regional and global powers. The book describes foreign policies of various factions and their leading figures and explains how intra-elite configurations of power have influenced the regime's foreign policy regarding the nuclear weapons program and relations with the United States.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Since the 1979 revolution, Iran's foreign policy has been a subject of intense scrutiny and debate. Some view it as an ideological pursuit, where the regime seeks to export its Islamic values and challenge the international order. Others argue that it is primarily pragmatic, driven by the regime's desire to survive and expand its power, much like other powers in the region. This book aims to go beyond the conventional analysis and provide a deeper understanding of Iran's foreign policy decision-making process.

Iran is not a one-man dictatorship but rather a rule by an oligarchy of Shia fundamentalists. The regime's ideology has been fragmented and inconsistent over the past 41 years, with different factions and their leaders articulating their own versions of it. The book delves into the foreign policies of various factions and their key figures, tracing their evolution since 1979. It explores how intra-elite power configurations have shaped the regime's approach to the nuclear weapons program and its relations with the United States.

The chapters in this book were originally published in the Journal of Strategic Studies. They offer fresh and critical perspectives on scholarly and policy debates surrounding Iran's foreign policy. By examining the complex dynamics within the ruling elite, civil society, and opposition groups, the book sheds light on the factors that have influenced Iran's foreign policy decisions and their implications for regional and global stability.

In conclusion, Iran's foreign policy has been a subject of intense interest and analysis. This book provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the factors that have shaped Iran's foreign policy since 1979. By examining the perspectives of different actors and analyzing the interactions between Iran's policies and those of regional and global powers, it offers valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of this critical issue.

Weight: 240g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367495466