Decision-Making Transformations in the Foreign Policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran: From Idealism to Realism
Subject Areas : Political Developments in Iran
Hossein Ebrahimnia
1
(Center for Scientific Research and Middle East Strategic Studies)
Keywords: Iran, Foreign Policy, Decision-Making, Idealism, Realism.,
Abstract :
The present research investigates the dynamics of decision-making transformations in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran from the onset of the Islamic Revolution, divided into five time periods with a focus on the transition from idealism to realism. The main research question is how and by what factors the changes in decision-making in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran from idealism during the Islamic Revolution to realism in subsequent periods can be interpreted. It seems that the transformations in decision-making in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran from idealism to realism result from dynamic interactions among internal and external factors, changes in international conditions, and direct connections with the economy and domestic development. In other words, it is linked, on one hand, to internal ideological and social factors, and on the other hand, to the impacts of international conditions and the discourse of development and economics. The results indicate that these transformations are not only the result of changes in ideology and internal processes but have also taken shape in response to challenges and new opportunities that have emerged in different periods. The research employs the theoretical three-level decision-making approach of Allison, which can cover a combination of idealism and realism theories, to analyze and elucidate the complex processes of decision-making transformations in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The research methodology used is based on the fundamental purpose and a descriptive-analytical and case study approach. Credible historical, political, and economic sources will be utilized to support analyses and arguments. The ultimate goal of the research is to evaluate these transformations with an emphasis on their impacts on the process of foreign policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
