Related Special Features for "Whither Goes Iran?"
April 2013
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Iran’s Internal Politics
Is the complex political system that Ayatollah Khomeini bequeathed to Iran in turmoil? The Atlantic Council’s Barbara Slavin and Yasim Alem believe so. Today, they consider what this predicament means for the Iranian electorate and external efforts to open up the country’s political space. More on «Iran’s Internal Politics» -
Iran's Regional Quagmire
Marlène Laruelle believes Iran’s regional status has been compromised by the Arab Spring, ongoing civil unrest in Syria and continued tensions over its nuclear program. Indeed, Tehran could soon find itself regionally isolated to a degree that is unprecedented in its recent history. More on «Iran's Regional Quagmire» -
The Saudi-Iranian Rivalry and the Future of Middle East Security
Is Saudi Arabia synonymous with status quo’ism and Iran with revolution? According to W. Andrew Terrill, this familiar contrast may now have to be adjusted. The Arab Spring has introduced new political variables that Riyadh and Tehran must account for while pursuing their competing priorities. More on «The Saudi-Iranian Rivalry and the Future of Middle East Security» -
Arguments for a Nuclear Iran?
Is an Iran with nuclear weapons acceptable or even a potential good? To answer this question, Emily Landau takes Kenneth Waltz’s notorious argument that nuclear weapons may enhance security and applies it to the Middle East. The CSS’s Oliver Thränert, however, worries about the virtues of Waltz's approach. More on «Arguments for a Nuclear Iran?» -
A Nuclear Iran: The Spur to a Regional Arms Race?
After describing Tehran’s strategic rationale for developing a nuclear program and assessing its ability to bring it to fruition, Amos Yadlin and Avner Golov then explore one of the many alarming scenarios that could result from a nuclear capable Iran – i.e., a regional arms race. More on «A Nuclear Iran: The Spur to a Regional Arms Race?» -
Lawfare and Iran
Can or should lawfare be used to frustrate Iran’s nuclear ambitions? Orde Kittrie grapples with this complex question in today’s video presentation. More on «Lawfare and Iran»
February 2013
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The Role of Iran in the South Caucasus
Iran’s determination to expand its influence within the South Caucasus is shaped by its desire to counter the threats posed by other powers, writes Tornike Sharashenidze. As a potential rival and prominent energy power, relations with Shia-dominated Azerbaijan are at the top of Tehran’s policy agenda. More on «The Role of Iran in the South Caucasus»
November 2012
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Sanctioning Iran: Implications and Consequences
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has staked his political legitimacy on the country’s nuclear development program. This means that sanctions imposed by external actors are unlikely to succeed as long as the present regime remains, or so argues Eskandar Sadeghi-Boroujerdi. More on «Sanctioning Iran: Implications and Consequences»
