Lexington Books Understanding and Explaining the Iranian Nuclear 'Crisis': Theoretical Approaches

In Understanding and Explaining the Iranian Nuclear 'Crisis': Theoretical Approaches, Halit M.E. Tagma and Paul E. Lenze, Jr. analyze the 'crisis' surrounding Iran's nuclear program through a variety of theoretical approaches, including realism, world-systems theory, liberal institutionalism, domestic politics, and multi-level games. Through these theories, Tagma and Lenze use established academic perspectives to create a more objective understanding and explanation of the debates and issues. Introducing the concept of eclectic pluralism to the study of international relations, Understanding and Explaining the Iranian Nuclear 'Crisis' presents theoretical approaches side by side to explore a complex and evolving international dispute. Review Borrowing from Graham Allison's seminal approach, this book proceeds to take multiple different theoretical/analytic 'cuts' upon the Iran case. The result is a rich analysis of the Iranian case and useful insights into Iran's motivations. Courses covering security studies, American foreign policy, IR theories, and proliferation will find this book a valuable addition to the syllabus. This is a very interesting and well-written book on a subject of current and future interest!--Thomas Preston, Washington State University In this important book, Halit M. E. Tagma and Paul E. Lenze, Jr. go beyond previous scholarly efforts to provide important insights and rectifications. Engaging in what they refer to as 'eclectic pluralism, ' the authors provide outstanding applications of various theories to the Iranian nuclear program, thus illuminating different and often overlooked aspects of it. The result is a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities the United States and other actors in international politics have in their relations with Iran.--Akan Malici, Furman University The idea of this book in employing the contending theoretical perspectives is so clever and convenient that the authors skillfully show why the nature of the case itself necessitates the use of different theoretical perspectives to make an objective explanation of the issue. Surely, this book can be used not only as an intellectual contribution to the case and the theories but also as an example/model of how to do further research.--Ramazan Gözen, Marmara University This book is a superb example of the benefit of using rigorous theoretical perspectives in analyzing 'real-world problems' and serves as a well-argued defense of eclectic pluralism in international relations. The chapters are empirically rich and theoretically sound. This book will not only benefit undergraduate and graduate students but also the educated public who wish to understand the politics and complexity surrounding Iran's nuclear program.--Balkan Devlen, University of Copenhagen About the Author Halit M. E. Tagma is assistant professor in the Department of Politics and International Affairs at Northern Arizona University. Paul E. Lenze, Jr. is senior lecturer in the Department of Politics and International Affairs at Northern Arizona University.