US Perceptions of Iran: Approaches and Policies

by A.K. Ramakrishnan

The ongoing rivalry between the United States and Iran is an important facet of contemporary international politics. The Iranian Revolution has been the central political event that contributed to such a confrontation. This book traces the roots and manifestations of American perceptions of Iran with particular focus on the Iranian Revolution. The book analyzes the nature of American orientalism and epistemological moorings of Middle East studies in the U.S., so that one is able to grasp the images and ideas that shape American perceptions of Iran. It brings forth the Islamic political discourses and the political economic factors that contributed to the Iranian Revolution and shows the basic flaws of American views and analyses of it. American perceptions are studied by undertaking a thorough critical analysis of policy documents, memoirs of policy makers, and academic writings. This study provides a refreshing break from usual foreign policy analysis by paying attention to the realm of ideas that constitute policies and perceptions.

151 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008