The US-Iran Relationship

Since the Revolution of 1978/79, which eventually brought to power Ayatollah Khomeini and his circle of conservative, though politically active, clerics, the relationship between Iran and the USA has represented one of the world's most complex and hostile international entanglements. In this book, Penelope Kinch analyses the extent to which political identity has contributed to challenges in the relationship and the role of myths in foreign policy. Kinch first examines the construction of political identity in each country, and thereby traces the imagined norms which have their impact on international behaviour. Looking at the misperceptions that have precluded closer communication between the two states, Kinch examines both historical issues, such as the 1979 US embassy hostage crisis as well as more contemporary crises, most notably over Iran's nuclear power programme.

Auteur

Penelope Kinch holds a PhD in International Relations from the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies at the Australian National University. She is currently working as a risk management advisor for an international NGO.

Contenu

Introduction

Chapter 1: Political Identity and International Relations

Chapter 2: Iranian Political Identity

Chapter 3: American Political Identity

Chapter 4: Myths and Foreign Policy Challenges

Chapter 5: Foreign Policy Challenge: Iran's Nuclear Program

Chapter 6: Intersection of Interest and Identity in Regional Issues

Chapter 7: Communication and Prospects for Change

Conclusion