The foreign policy of Islamic Republic of Iran: Ideology and Pragmatism in Iran

In this article Iran‟s foreign policy is investigated both ideologically and in respect of its pragmatic motivations. It is argued that, since the revolution especially the death of Ayatollah Khomeini, Iran has proved itself to be a rational, pragmatic active actor in foreign policy, even though actions and rhetorical outbursts from parts of the country have at times suggested otherwise. It is also suggested that a dialogue between Iran and the West could very well turn out to be effective for peace in the Middle East. Finally In spite of Iran reputation for religious fanaticism, since the end of the Iran-Iraq war the Islamic Republic of Iran has proved itself to be a rational actor in foreign policy since 9/11, 2001, and particularly since 2003, the commitment between Iran and the West, which might bring Iran out of international isolation and brightening its economic future, has seemed impossible. The combination of economic sanctions and threats of military intervention against Iran has been shown to have had little or no effect other than further alienation.

The foreign policy of Islamic Republic of Iran: Ideology and Pragmatism in Iran Keywords:

Foreign policy , Ideology , Pragmatism , Revolution