Publication

This paper discusses Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear program and how it can only be understood by looking at all four dimensions of Iranian politics: power, ideology, norms, and communication. It also examines if the election of Rouhani as president has had any effect on Iran’s foreign policy stance regarding the nuclear program. The author believes that while Rouhani has not ushered in a new Iran, Tehran has adopted a more conciliatory tone since he took office. He also thinks that the West will have to carefully calibrate its response to determine whether Rouhani’s changed rhetoric signals the beginning of a new direction for Iran.