Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 04/2009

The Foreign Policy of Iran: Ideology and pragmatism in the Islamic Republic

Katrine Barnekow Rasmussen

March 2009

Danish Institute for International Studies

Abstract

This DIIS Brief is a short English version of a Danish DIIS Report on the foreign policy of Iran. In the Report, Iran’s foreign policy is investigated both ideologically and in respect of its pragmatic motivations. It is argued that, since the revolution, and especially since the death of Ayatollah Khomeini, Iran has shown itself to be a rational, pragmatic actor in foreign policy, even though actions and rhetorical outbursts from parts of the country’s leadership have at times suggested otherwise. It is also suggested that a dialogue between Iran and the West – and with the United States in particular – could very well turn out to be a prerequisite for peace in the Middle East..