No Conquest, No Defeat: Iran's National Security Strategy

Despite decades of isolation, political pressure, sanctions, and war, the Islamic Republic of Iran celebrated its fortieth anniversary in early 2019. No Conquest, No Defeat provides a historically grounded overview of Iranian national security, arguing that Iranian strategic thinking is characterized by its dynamic yet resilient nature and its involvement in various regional conflicts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 10 September 2020
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

Despite decades of isolation, political pressure, sanctions, and war, the Islamic Republic of Iran celebrated its fortieth anniversary in early 2019. Observers of its security policies are still attempting to make sense of this remarkable endurance. While there are significant disagreements about the Islamic Republic's thinking and intentions, virtually everyone agrees that its policies differ fundamentally from those pursued by its monarchical predecessors. No Conquest, No Defeat provides a historically grounded overview of Iranian national security. Tabatabai argues that Iranian strategic thinking is best characterized by its dynamic yet resilient nature, one that is continually evolving and whose foundations were laid out decades ago. To understand Iran's national security thinking and policies today, one must examine them in their historical context. As the Islamic Republic enters its fifth decade, this book sheds new light on Iran's controversial nuclear and missile programs, as well as its involvement in Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.

Introduction:
The Islamic Republic of Iran has faced numerous challenges throughout its existence, including decades of isolation, political pressure, sanctions, and war. Despite these obstacles, the country has managed to endure and celebrate its fortieth anniversary in early 2019. This essay will explore the factors that have contributed to Iran's resilience and its ability to maintain its national security policies despite the odds.

Isolation:
Iran has been isolated from the international community for many years due to its controversial nuclear program, its support for terrorism, and its involvement in regional conflicts. However, the country has managed to maintain its independence and sovereignty by developing its own economy, military, and cultural institutions.

Political Pressure:
Iran has faced relentless political pressure from the United States and its allies, who have imposed sanctions and other measures to pressure the country to abandon its nuclear program and reduce its involvement in regional conflicts. However, Iran has refused to bow to these pressures and has instead continued to develop its nuclear program and support its allies in the region.

Sanctions:
The United States and its allies have imposed a series of sanctions on Iran, including economic sanctions, travel restrictions, and asset freezes. These sanctions have had a significant impact on Iran's economy, causing widespread poverty and economic instability. However, Iran has managed to mitigate the effects of these sanctions by developing its own domestic economy and by seeking support from other countries.

War:
Iran has been involved in several wars and conflicts throughout its history, including the Iran-Iraq War, the Gulf War, and the conflicts in Syria and Yemen. However, the country has managed to avoid defeat by relying on its military strength and by avoiding direct confrontation with its adversaries.

Iranian Strategic Thinking:
Iranian strategic thinking is characterized by its dynamic yet resilient nature. The country has developed a complex network of alliances and relationships with other countries in the region, including Russia, China, and Syria. Iran has also developed its own military capabilities, including its nuclear program and its missile program.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Iran's fortieth anniversary is a testament to the country's resilience and its ability to maintain its national security policies despite the odds. The country has faced numerous challenges, including isolation, political pressure, sanctions, and war, but has managed to endure and thrive. Iranian strategic thinking is characterized by its dynamic yet resilient nature, and the country has developed a complex network of alliances and relationships with other countries in the region. As the Islamic Republic enters its fifth decade, it will continue to play a significant role in regional and global politics.

Weight: 628g
Dimension: 148 x 223 x 41 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787382091