A Focused Comparison of Soviet and American National Interests in Southwest Asia
Abstract
The thesis of a Focused Comparison of Soviet and American National Interests in Southwest Asia develop a framework for analysis by which to compare the national interests of the Soviet Union and the United States. Because of the problem of mirror-imaging Soviet and American views, this analysis carefully attempts to consider the definition of a national interest from both societal perspectives Secon, to apply the framework of analysis to two related case studies; superpower interests in Afghanistan and Iran. The Southwest Asian region provides an interesting environment to apply this paradigm because of the significant challenges to both Soviet and American positions in light of the Iranian Revolution and the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan. This analysis concludes with a brief comparison of American and Soviet interests in the region. Given the geostrategic position of the region, the dominant role of ethnicity in Iran and Afghanistan, and the risks to superpower prestige, it is obvious that the Soviet Union has a greater intensity of interests in this region. Keywords: National security, Islam, Economics, Ideology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA173565
Entities
People
- John M. O'sullivan Jr
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School