The Arnold A. Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies presents
Saltzman Webinar: “The Islamic Republic of Iran through Perceptions and Misperceptions of the United States’ Decision-making Dynamics”
Radoslaw Fiedler, Visiting Scholar (2019-2020) within the Bekker Program (NAWA) at Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies
Moderated by Robert Jervis, Institute member and Adlai E. Stevenson Professor of International Politics, Department of Political Science
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
12:00pm to 1:30pm
Virtual presentation via Zoom
Abstract
The presentation is dedicated to Robert Jervis’ seminal work on the Perception and Misperception in International Politics which I adapted for analysis of the United States’ decision-making and narratives on the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Since the Iranian Revolution, the United States and Iran have been both in strained relations on the edge of military clash and moment of relief and failed attempts of accommodation. Current developments both sides are pushing to the direct confrontation and would deeply prefer to avoid it. Ups and downs can be attributed to the United States policy in Iran. In my research, I would like to understand this inability to redirect on another path to difficult relations. Thanks to consultations with prof. Robert Jervis and numerous interview and research - have raised several issues and concern in my research I would like to focus on and discuss:
1. Why misperceptions have been prevailing in building the narratives and decision-making on Iran? 2. How should it be perceived Iran and why is it so difficult to overcome the existing views and policies on that issue? 3. Plural voices and different views – how to trace the right direction in handling difficulties, threats and challenges regarding Iran? 4. Why is it so difficult in doing the next steps – a case study of the JCPOA downfall? 5. What is the bottom line in perceptions of Iran to overcome the existing crisis?
