The Policy Decision Process of the Islamic Republic of Iran: Through a Glass Darkly
Abstract
The Islamic Republic of Iran remains defiant to the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1696 which demands that "Iran suspend all nuclear enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, including research and development." Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has repeatedly said that Iran's nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes and that, as a sovereign country, Iran has the right to pursue nuclear energy. President Ahmadinejad stated Iran would not stop its nuclear program despite the threat of increasing isolation and international sanctions. Iran has been given numerous opportunities and deadlines to prove to the international community that its nuclear production actions are legitimate according to international laws, treaties, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Yet, Iran has barred all inspection efforts by the IAEA. This defiance of international norms in connection with the possible acquisition of nuclear weapons represents a threat to the interests of the United States and its allies and friends in the region. Many have offered numerous ways to rectify this problem, including regime change through supporting Iranian opposition groups and conducting limited air strikes on Iran's nuclear production facilities. However, there is no guarantee that these actions will bring about the immediate and long-standing result that is required. Perhaps the wisest thing for strategists and planners to do before embarking upon any course of action towards Iran is to analyze Iran's complex political system to understand the functionality of the government's policy decision-making process. This may help them identify better ways of influencing the Iranian regime to change its policy toward nuclear activities and to abide by United Nations Security Resolutions. However, the challenge to understand the Iranian government's decision-making process is formidable and will demand that policy makers move beyond strategic ethnocentrism.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 18, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA479488
Entities
People
- William Phillips
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College