Analysis of the Role of Identity in Iran's Nuclear Policy

Abstract

In this study, has analyzed the influence of cultural-identical factors on the nuclear policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s governments from the Perspective of Constructivism. In this regard provides a qualitative and quantitative investigation on Iran’s national security policy in the nuclear program within the constructivist theory framework and its central categories of 'identity', ‘identification’. Findings show that during the presidency of Mohammad Khatami, due to the "view and mentality" of Iranian officials towards "themselves" and "the other side", the cultural-identity output of "expediency" has had a higher impact on Iran's nuclear policy. At that time, despite the Iranian government's interactive approach, the United States and European countries refused to accept a minimal nuclear program for Iran. During the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, considering the "view" and "mentality" as well as the experience of the previous period, the cultural-identity output of "justice" and "anti-oppression" had a higher impact on Iran's nuclear policy. During that period, due to distrust of Western countries especially the United States and their lack of interaction and adoption of a confrontational approach by the Iranian government, the burden of disputes had increased between the two sides. During Hassan Rouhani's presidency, the cultural-identity output of "interactionism" has had a greater impact on Iran's nuclear policy. During this period, due to the interactive approach of the Iranian government and the adjustment of the demands of the United States and European countries, a nuclear agreement -“JCPOA”- formed.