A Realistic View on Iran

Abstract or Introduction

Globalization is the most commonly used word to describe the increasing interconnectedness between nations. In this modern era, it is almost impossible not to be affected by a global issue in some way or another. For example, the strengthening of airport security and the increased scrutiny was felt by all air travellers after the attacks of 9/11. There are many different theories that scholars adhere to in order to make sense of these issues such as liberalism, Marxism, or constructivism but "realism has been the dominant theory of world politics since the beginning of academic International Relations" (Baylis & Smith, 2008, p.95) which falls under the positivist umbrella.

To test the validity and applicability of realism, this paper will analyze Iran's nuclear program through the lens of a realist to understand why there has been so much tension surrounding their nuclear advancements. Of course, there are many different variations of realism but for the purpose of this paper, a `unified realism' will be used which is explained more in detail later. Ultimately, if realism can reasonably identify and mutually relate some of the key concepts that are found in this global issue, then it will be considered a success.

Much like realism, Iran's nuclear program has a long and distinct history. The Wikipedia page alone regarding Iran's nuclear history is over 50 pages long with no less than 400 citations; it is quite extensive to say the least. The history extends back to the 1950s after a U.S. governmentaided coup d'etat forced the democraticallyelected Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh out of office, bringing Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi to power (Deluce, 2003). With the help and protection of the United States, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's ran a dictatorshipmonarchy with strong allegiance to the Americans. The Peace for Atoms program initiated by former U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower is what helped Iran actually construct their first nuclear facility in 1967 but it would not have been possible without the overthrown government. Iran then signed and ratified the Nuclear NonProliferation Treaty (NPT), thus becoming subject to verification by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).