Nuclear Proliferation in Iran
Michael Razumovsky
International Relations
Professor Traven
Paper Topic #4
As the main hegemon present in today’s world, we the United States live in a unipolar system of power. Since the end of the Cold War (which ended the bipolar system with the USSR), the United States has been the most important state in overlooking international issues. One of the major issues present in international politics is Iran’s uranium enrichment program in which its focus is to develop nuclear weapons. We formally ended civil relations with Iran in 2002 when we declared Iran as an axis of evil, along with Iraq and North Korea.1 Although relations have been severed, there exist many approaches in which we the United States can attempt to resolve or at the least improve the situation. Based on extensive research and the development of the problem over the course of the last few years, I believe it is in our best interest to pursue a course of containment and deterrence, as opposed to a military strike that would destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Iran has slowly begun to reconsider the implications of its nuclear program, giving the United States, in coordination with the P5+1 (five permanent members of the Security Council and Germany) an opportunity to step in.2 As we see this weakness emerging in Iran, we can take the necessary measures by negotiating in order to deter and contain the nuclear program in Iran.
I would argue that starting a war with Iran over the nuclear issue would confirm the US image, globally, as the outlaw hegemon.3 We have to maintain our allies and our reputation because from a liberal point of view, collective action problems arise and we need to be able to cooperate with our allies. If we attack Iran, Iran could seek interest in attacking Saudi Arabia in an effort to sanction the United States.4 Saudi Arabia is responsible for approximately 20% of crude oil reserves in the world.5 This would increase domestic oil prices significantly and slow down
International Relations
Professor Traven
Paper Topic #4
As the main hegemon present in today’s world, we the United States live in a unipolar system of power. Since the end of the Cold War (which ended the bipolar system with the USSR), the United States has been the most important state in overlooking international issues. One of the major issues present in international politics is Iran’s uranium enrichment program in which its focus is to develop nuclear weapons. We formally ended civil relations with Iran in 2002 when we declared Iran as an axis of evil, along with Iraq and North Korea.1 Although relations have been severed, there exist many approaches in which we the United States can attempt to resolve or at the least improve the situation. Based on extensive research and the development of the problem over the course of the last few years, I believe it is in our best interest to pursue a course of containment and deterrence, as opposed to a military strike that would destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Iran has slowly begun to reconsider the implications of its nuclear program, giving the United States, in coordination with the P5+1 (five permanent members of the Security Council and Germany) an opportunity to step in.2 As we see this weakness emerging in Iran, we can take the necessary measures by negotiating in order to deter and contain the nuclear program in Iran.
I would argue that starting a war with Iran over the nuclear issue would confirm the US image, globally, as the outlaw hegemon.3 We have to maintain our allies and our reputation because from a liberal point of view, collective action problems arise and we need to be able to cooperate with our allies. If we attack Iran, Iran could seek interest in attacking Saudi Arabia in an effort to sanction the United States.4 Saudi Arabia is responsible for approximately 20% of crude oil reserves in the world.5 This would increase domestic oil prices significantly and slow down