Iran: Torn by Domestic Disputes

Abstract

The Islamic Republic in Iran no longer has the broad popular support it commanded in the 1980s. The middle aged (especially veterans of the Iraq war) and the young are alienated from at least some aspects of the system. Iranian politicians are deeply divided about domestic policy issues, such as cultural liberalization and economic reform. Disputes about these issues, rather than foreign policy concerns, are likely to occupy center stage. While an Iranian opening to the West could be broadly popular, it would infuriate the vocal and influential minority for which anti-Americanism is a central principle of Khomeini's legacy. Iran is likely to continue its dual-track foreign policy: proclaiming its desire for normal relations with its neighbors while engaging in destabilizing behavior.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1997
Accession Number
ADA394216

Entities

People

  • Patrick Clawson

Organizations

  • National Defense University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Alliances
  • Commerce
  • Domestic
  • Foreign Policy
  • Governments
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Organizations
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Recreation
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Security
  • Terrorism
  • Terrorists
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Weapons Of Mass Destruction

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Nuclear Non-Proliferation and International Security