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).
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. History of Iran’s nuclear program
3. Core elements of realism: statism, survival, and self-help
4. The security dilemma and Iran
5. Realist perspective on international tensions
6. Conclusion
Objectives & Key Themes
This paper examines Iran's nuclear program through the theoretical lens of political realism to understand the underlying drivers of international tension and the state's strategic motivations within a sovereign global system.
- Historical context of Iran's nuclear development since the 1950s.
- Application of 'unified realism' to explain state behavior.
- Analysis of core realist concepts: statism, survival, and self-help.
- The role of the security dilemma in shaping nuclear proliferation policies.
- Evaluation of state sovereignty versus international pressure.
Excerpt from the Book
Realists believe power is fundamental in International Relations as it manifests itself in all three core elements of realism: statism, survival, and self-help (Baylis & Smith, 2001, p. 150). Statism refers to the way realists view the state as the primary actor; in other words, the state has all the power. Because the state is innately sovereign, it is autonomous in its decisions and thus has all the power to make and act on decisions without any overarching authority to regulate or punish the state. This type of system is considered anarchic and was first recognized in 1648 at the Peace of Westphalia (Gabel & Bruner, 2003) and is now referred to as the Westphalian system.
With anarchy created and sustained by the lack of law and regulation at the global level, a balance of power is then expected to result, irrespective of the intentions of any particular state (Baylis & Smith, 2001, 153). This is because at the most minimal level, states will seek survival. Survival is necessary to attain all other societal goals and thus, national security is the most important thing to a state.
In order to survive, states must use self-help, as there is no ‘global police’ that can be called upon. States may need to increase security; but by doing so, it lowers the security of opposing states. This circular reasoning is referred to as the security dilemma (Baylis & Smith, 2008, 102). For example, if Iran suddenly doubled their military size for security measures, it would reduce the relative security of every other state who had previously only taken into account Iran’s original military size.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Introduces the role of realism as a dominant theory in international relations and outlines the paper's intention to analyze Iran's nuclear program through this specific lens.
2. History of Iran’s nuclear program: Provides a chronological overview of Iran's nuclear history, starting from the 1950s and the political shifts following the U.S.-backed coup.
3. Core elements of realism: statism, survival, and self-help: Defines the fundamental tenets of realist theory and explains the anarchic nature of the international system.
4. The security dilemma and Iran: Discusses how the lack of a global authority forces states to prioritize security, leading to circular tensions regarding Iran's nuclear capacities.
5. Realist perspective on international tensions: Evaluates the U.S. and international reaction to Iran's nuclear advancements by weighing sovereign rights against global security concerns.
6. Conclusion: Synthesizes the application of realist theory to the Iranian case and reflects on the theory's effectiveness in explaining modern geopolitical events.
Keywords
Realism, Iran, Nuclear Program, International Relations, Sovereignty, Statism, Survival, Self-help, Security Dilemma, Anarchy, Westphalian System, Global Politics, Proliferation, Power Dynamics, Foreign Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on analyzing Iran's nuclear program by applying the theoretical framework of political realism to explain the motivations and tensions surrounding these developments.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The core themes include the historical development of Iran's nuclear capabilities, the fundamental pillars of realism (statism, survival, self-help), and the implications of the international security dilemma.
What is the main research question or objective?
The primary objective is to test the validity and applicability of 'unified realism' in explaining why Iran continues to advance its nuclear technology despite intense international pressure.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The author utilizes a theoretical analysis approach, specifically employing a realist lens to interpret empirical historical data and current international relations events.
What is discussed in the main body of the paper?
The main body covers the history of Iran's nuclear facilities, the structural constraints of the international system (anarchy), and the defensive rationale states employ to ensure their survival.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Realism, Sovereignty, Security Dilemma, Iran's nuclear program, and International Relations.
How does the author view Iran's justification for its nuclear program?
From a realist perspective, the author argues that Iran is acting as a sovereign state prioritizing its own national security and survival, which is a logical behavior within an anarchic system.
What is the significance of the "Westphalian system" in this context?
The Westphalian system is used to explain the concept of state sovereignty, where nations act as autonomous entities without an overarching global authority to regulate their decisions.
- Quote paper
- Cory Contini (Author), 2010, A Realistic View on Iran, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/230612
