Date of Graduation

Spring 2013

Degree

Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies

Department

Defense and Strategic Studies

Committee Chair

Kerry Kartchner

Abstract

This thesis addresses the Iranian nuclear program and the current diplomatic failures to halt its advancement. The thesis assesses Iranian intentions and the prospects for diplomatic resolution to this nuclear weapon crisis based on a better understanding of Iranian intentions. This will be achieved through the use of strategic culture, which takes into account the historical and religious sources of Iranian identity, norms, values, and perceptions. It is only through this lens that Iranian intentions can be better understood, and thus the feasibility of a diplomatic solution can be better determined. This thesis finds that strategic culture can help shape a diplomatic response, but may not stop the Iranian desire for a nuclear capability.

Keywords

Iran, strategic culture, Islam, identity, values, norms, threat perceptions

Subject Categories

Defense and Security Studies

Copyright

© Lindsey Jordan Strain

Download

Campus Only

Share

COinS