My research question began as precise and targeted, but the path to the answer requires an investigation into the mysterious inner workings of a foreign policy outlier. Just like Salvadaor Dali's surrealist clock, so my research question has melted like a distressed popsicle slipping slowly down the stairway of precision to the steps of murky fundamental, underlying belief.
I am talking about Iran. But aren't we all.
I want to know if the events of the Arab Spring have any effect on Iran's nuclear ambition. In order to answer this question I first have to understand the effects of the Arab Spring (a process that is still ongoing), what they mean for Iran, and how Iran might react. Judging Iran's reaction requires an understanding of the country's leaders and their motivations. How do they see the world? How do current events fit into this world view?
In what has become a crash course on Iran, I have developed one main quandary about the country and its thinking. On the one hand, Iran is a Realist's dream come true. Their goal is survival, they see the U.S. as a threat in this regard, so they strive for ever more power, seeking to become a regional and perhaps global hegemon. Nuclear weapons capability is a way to ensure both security and power. Pursuing this path is rational and predictable. This is Realism in practice.
Flip the coin and you see a darker side, a less predictable view of the world. Iran sees its role as the growing hegemon that will spread Islam and Islamic rule throughout the world. Ahmadinejad in particular (and his supporters in the army) subscribe to apocalyptic teachings that require such a situation before the coming of the Mahdi, the Shiite messiah. Nuclear weapons are a good tool for the apocalypse.
As the international community attempts to deal with Iran and it's pending nuclear threat, it is best to keep in mind the side of its world view we do understand. Iran has watched as countries without nuclear weapons have been invaded and dismantled, or had their leaders forcibly removed from power. They have watched as dangerous countries with nuclear weapons have remained untouched. They fear for their sovereignty.
I should note that while I am getting closer to being able to see the world through Persian eyes, I do not support Iranian foreign policy, especially in regards to its nuclear agenda. I have heard the argument that it is not fair to deny countries the option to develop nuclear weapons. The international system exists in anarchy, countries are allowed to do as they please. Additionally we still maintain an arsenal of thousands. I don't care. The world needs less destructive power, not more. Any country who cannot admit this should be faulted.
Still, I encourage those who get the chance to influence Iranian policy to keep in mind how Iran views the playing field. Sure there are religious story lines and goals running through their policies, but we can only operate in the reality that we know. If we can understand the root of their fear, perhaps we can orchestrate a remedy.
I am talking about Iran. But aren't we all.
I want to know if the events of the Arab Spring have any effect on Iran's nuclear ambition. In order to answer this question I first have to understand the effects of the Arab Spring (a process that is still ongoing), what they mean for Iran, and how Iran might react. Judging Iran's reaction requires an understanding of the country's leaders and their motivations. How do they see the world? How do current events fit into this world view?
In what has become a crash course on Iran, I have developed one main quandary about the country and its thinking. On the one hand, Iran is a Realist's dream come true. Their goal is survival, they see the U.S. as a threat in this regard, so they strive for ever more power, seeking to become a regional and perhaps global hegemon. Nuclear weapons capability is a way to ensure both security and power. Pursuing this path is rational and predictable. This is Realism in practice.
Flip the coin and you see a darker side, a less predictable view of the world. Iran sees its role as the growing hegemon that will spread Islam and Islamic rule throughout the world. Ahmadinejad in particular (and his supporters in the army) subscribe to apocalyptic teachings that require such a situation before the coming of the Mahdi, the Shiite messiah. Nuclear weapons are a good tool for the apocalypse.
As the international community attempts to deal with Iran and it's pending nuclear threat, it is best to keep in mind the side of its world view we do understand. Iran has watched as countries without nuclear weapons have been invaded and dismantled, or had their leaders forcibly removed from power. They have watched as dangerous countries with nuclear weapons have remained untouched. They fear for their sovereignty.
I should note that while I am getting closer to being able to see the world through Persian eyes, I do not support Iranian foreign policy, especially in regards to its nuclear agenda. I have heard the argument that it is not fair to deny countries the option to develop nuclear weapons. The international system exists in anarchy, countries are allowed to do as they please. Additionally we still maintain an arsenal of thousands. I don't care. The world needs less destructive power, not more. Any country who cannot admit this should be faulted.
Still, I encourage those who get the chance to influence Iranian policy to keep in mind how Iran views the playing field. Sure there are religious story lines and goals running through their policies, but we can only operate in the reality that we know. If we can understand the root of their fear, perhaps we can orchestrate a remedy.
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