ENDING AN ENEMY: UNITED STATES–IRAN RELATIONS

Abstract

The Iran–United States relationship is often described by U.S. leaders as an intractable, zero-sum problem. In this view, the solution is to collapse the Islamic Republic by military threats and unyielding economic pressure. Since 1979, presidents of both parties have pursued this two-tool campaign with similar results.

This research explores the prospects for breaking the characterization of United States–Iran relations as an intractable conflict and seeks more likely avenues for ending adversarial hostility. What makes the hostility between Iran and the United States seem intractable? The investigation of other seemingly intractable relationships (United States–Libya, United States–China, The Troubles, Pre-JCPOA) enables a greater appreciation for the flaws of zero-sum assessments and the gathering of relevant relation-building characteristics.

As an alternative, this thesis offers 1) a broad outline of why Iran–United States relations should not be seen as a zero-sum problem and 2) an examination of other perceived intractably hostile relations and how they were solved, with relevant insights gleaned from prior successful endeavors. Diplomacy is undervalued in the current and previous approaches toward Iran over the past 40+ years; U.S. leaders must reinvigorate diplomacy among the elements of national power. History serves as a font of ideas, illuminating considerations for the development of a concerted effort aimed at advancing long-term relations with Iran.The Iran–United States relationship is often described by U.S. leaders as an intractable, zero-sum problem. In this view, the solution is to collapse the Islamic Republic by military threats and unyielding economic pressure. Since 1979, presidents of both parties have pursued this two-tool campaign with similar results.

This research explores the prospects for breaking the characterization of United States–Iran relations as an intractable conflict and seeks more likely avenues for ending adversarial hostility. What makes the hostility between Iran and the United States seem intractable? The investigation of other seemingly intractable relationships (United States–Libya, United States–China, The Troubles, Pre-JCPOA) enables a greater appreciation for the flaws of zero-sum assessments and the gathering of relevant relation-building characteristics.

As an alternative, this thesis offers 1) a broad outline of why Iran–United States relations should not be seen as a zero-sum problem and 2) an examination of other perceived intractably hostile relations and how they were solved, with relevant insights gleaned from prior successful endeavors. Diplomacy is undervalued in the current and previous approaches toward Iran over the past 40+ years; U.S. leaders must reinvigorate diplomacy among the elements of national power. History serves as a font of ideas, illuminating considerations for the development of a concerted effort aimed at advancing long-term relations with Iran.The Iran–United States relationship is often described by U.S. leaders as an intractable, zero-sum problem. In this view, the solution is to collapse the Islamic Republic by military threats and unyielding economic pressure. Since 1979, presidents of both parties have pursued this two-tool campaign with similar results.

This research explores the prospects for breaking the characterization of United States–Iran relations as an intractable conflict and seeks more likely avenues for ending adversarial hostility. What makes the hostility between Iran and the United States seem intractable? The investigation of other seemingly intractable relationships (United States–Libya, United States–China, The Troubles, Pre-JCPOA) enables a greater appreciation for the flaws of zero-sum assessments and the gathering of relevant relation-building characteristics.

As an alternative, this thesis offers 1) a broad outline of why Iran–United States relations should not be seen as a zero-sum problem and 2) an examination of other perceived intractably hostile relations and how they were solved, with relevant insights gleaned from prior successful endeavors. Diplomacy is undervalued in the current and previous approaches toward Iran over the past 40+ years; U.S. leaders must reinvigorate diplomacy among the elements of national power. History serves as a font of ideas, illuminating considerations for the development of a concerted effort aimed at advancing long-term relations with Iran.