Iran and the International System

Much attention in the West has focused on Iran as a problem country. This book challenges the representations of Iran as a hostile regional power led by ideologues, and goes further by discussing how international relations are viewed from inside Iran itself, outlining the factors which underpin Iranian thinking on international relations and considering what role Iran, as a large and significant country in the Middle East, ought to play in a fairly constructed international system.

The book is written by leading scholars and policy makers from inside, as well as from outside, Iran and includes academics with unparalleled access and insights into the world-views of the Iranian leadership. Subjects covered include: the rationale of Iran's Islamic constitution, including its electoral system, and the impact this has on international relations; Iran's view of the ideal international system, including the place therein of ethics, justice, and security; Iran's international interests, including energy needs; and relations with the West, including the clash between Iranian and Western views of the world order.

Anoushiravan Ehteshami is Dean of Internationalisation, and Professor of International Relations. He was founding Head of the School of Government and International Affairs at Durham University, UK. His most recent books published by Routledge include Geopolitics and Globalization in the Middle East: Old Games, New Rules, and The Middle East’s Relations with Asia and Russia. Reza Molavi received his PhD from Durham University and recently acted as the Executive Director of the Centre for Iranian Studies, Durham University, UK.