Understanding and Explaining the Iranian Nuclear 'Crisis': Theoretical Approaches

(Hardback)

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In Understanding and Explaining the Iranian Nuclear Crisis: Theoretical Approaches, Halit M.E. Tagma and Paul E. Lenze, Jr. analyze the crisis surrounding Irans nuclear program through a variety of theoretical approaches, including realism, world-systems theory, liberal institutionalism, domestic politics, and multi-level games. Through these theories, Tagma and Lenze use established academic perspectives to create a more objective understanding and explanation of the debates and issues. Introducing the concept of eclectic pluralism to the study of international relations, Understanding and Explaining the Iranian Nuclear Crisis presents theoretical approaches side by side to explore a complex and evolving international dispute.

Reviews

Borrowing from Graham Allison's seminal approach, this book proceeds to take

multiple different theoretical/analytic 'cuts' upon the Iran case. The result is a rich

analysis of the Iranian case and useful insights into Iran's motivations. Courses covering

security studies, American foreign policy, IR theories, and proliferation will

find this book a valuable addition to the syllabus. This is a very interesting and well-written

book on a subject of current and future interest!

--Thomas Preston, Washington State University

In this important book, Halit M. E. Tagma and Paul E. Lenze, Jr. go beyond previous

scholarly efforts to provide important insights and rectifications. Engaging in

what they refer to as 'eclectic pluralism, ' the authors provide outstanding applications

of various theories to the Iranian nuclear program, thus illuminating different and

often overlooked aspects of it. The result is a comprehensive and nuanced understanding

of the challenges and opportunities the United States and other actors in

international politics have in their relations with Iran.

--Akan Malici, Furman University

The idea of this book in employing the contending theoretical perspectives is so

clever and convenient that the authors skillfully show why the nature of the case itself

necessitates the use of different theoretical perspectives to make an objective explanation

of the issue. Surely, this book can be used not only as an intellectual contribution

to the case and the theories but also as an example/model of how to do further

research.

--Ramazan Gzen, Marmara University

This book is a superb example of the benefit of using rigorous theoretical perspectives

in analyzing 'real-world problems' and serves as a well-argued defense of

eclectic pluralism in international relations. The chapters are empirically rich and

theoretically sound. This book will not only benefit undergraduate and graduate

students but also the educated public who wish to understand the politics and complexity

surrounding Iran's nuclear program.

--Balkan Devlen, University of Copenhagen

Author Bio

Halit M. E. Tagma is assistant professor in the Department of Politics and International Affairs at Northern Arizona University.

Paul E. Lenze, Jr. is senior lecturer in the Department of Politics and International Affairs at Northern Arizona University.