Theory and US-Iran Relations

US-Iran-Relations.com is dedicated to building a bridge between the academic “Ivory Tower” and the general public. Such a bridge is necessary to improve our national discussion about US-Iran relations. This section provides primers on the three major academic theories of international relations. Each primer concludes with a series of questions and hypotheses about US-Iran relations. By familiarizing oneself with these three theories, one will be better able to structure his or her thinking about US-Iran relations and reach more diverse and sophisticated judgments. Too often, it seems, people reach conclusions based on instinct, emotion, or what the latest “talking head” on cable news had to say. Attaining a basic grasp of international relations theory will empower Americans to examine US-Iran relations from multiple perspectives, consider new causes of and solutions to the US-Iran conflict, and more deeply appreciate the complexities of foreign policy and international relations.

It is recommended that users read the primers in the order that they are provided, as each builds upon its predecessor(s).