ISD Capstone: The US and Iran

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

ISD Capstone: The US and Iran - Is Conflict Inevitable? Mutual distrust and hostility have dominated the U.S.-Iranian relationship since the Islamic revolution of 1979, seriously exacerbating multiple conflicts and risking war over Iran’s nuclear program, the U.S. military presence in the Middle East, Iran’s proxies in the region, and terrorism. Nevertheless, U.S. and Iranian interests also converge on a number of issues, including stability in Iraq and Afghanistan, opposition to ISIS, the security and reliability of energy supply, and protecting the rights of religious minorities. This seminar – one of three that fulfills the capstone requirement for the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy’s Certificate in Diplomatic Studies (CDS) – will give students the opportunity to put themselves in the place of national leaders in considering whether it is possible to develop a constructive relationship with Iran that mitigates potential conflicts while preserving each country’s core interests, and building cooperation on those interests that converge. The seminar will discuss a brief history of U.S.-Iranian relations, survey current flashpoints, and assess each country’s interests in approaching the relationship. It will conclude with the seminar’s joint preparation of a policy paper recommending a new U.S. strategy for managing the problem of Iran. The course will be led by a U.S. Ambassador most recently responsible for implementing the Iran nuclear deal. Course is open to non-CDS candidates on a space available basis.