Political identity in the United States and Iran: myths and foreign policy challenges

Abstract

This thesis analyses the extent to which political identity creates myths and foreign policy challenges. The study addresses this question through an examination of the relationship between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America. The research adopts a constructivist theoretical standpoint in assessing the inputs of political identity and the ideational value of history and experience. A construction of the political identity of each nation individually forms the basis of the research, which then progresses to an analysis of key international incidents and issues as a representation of the manner in which political myth and foreign policy challenges are created and reproduced. The intersection of the political identities of the United States and Iran, in significant areas of international interest, is analysed in this research. In particular, Iran's nuclear program and the American response to this challenge is a central example, as is the interaction of the two states in the context of America's propagation of the 'War on Terror' in Afghanistan and Iraq. Iran's involvement in these conflicts has proven to be a defining factor in relations between the US and Iran. In addition, the role played by Israel as a key ally of the US in the Middle East, and an ideological enemy in the political identity of the Islamic Republic, is significant in comprehending the background to the US-Iran conflict. The processes of communication between the two nations and the prospects for change in the relationship are also a focus for review. The barriers to rapprochement are framed within the constructs of the political identity of the US and Iran. Analysing the conflict within this structure proposes a new approach to understanding a key international relationship. Show more