New Books in Middle Eastern Studies

Vali Nasr, "Iran’s Grand Strategy: A Political History" (Princeton UP, 2025)

Jun 25, 2025
Vali Nasr, a renowned scholar in international affairs and Middle Eastern studies, delves deep into Iran's intricate political history and grand strategy. He offers fresh insights into how the Iran-Iraq War and decades of U.S. actions have shaped Iran's worldview. Nasr challenges common misconceptions, revealing that Iran's foreign policy is more than just theocratic ideology. He discusses the significance of military self-reliance and the impact of sanctions on its political economy, providing a nuanced understanding of Iran's global ambitions.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Iran's Drive for True Independence

  • Iran's strategic outlook is deeply shaped by its history of imperialist abuse and its distinct Persian identity.
  • The Islamic Republic's core driver is securing true independence after centuries of foreign domination.
INSIGHT

Leftist Influence on Iran's Revolution

  • The Iranian Revolution united diverse groups, but religious leaders absorbed leftist anti-imperialist ideas.
  • Islamized revolutionary slogans and ideology were key to defeating secular Marxist-Leninists.
INSIGHT

Iran-Iraq War Shaped Defense Strategy

  • The Iran-Iraq war was formative, teaching Iran it must rely on its own people and arms industry.
  • Iran developed a defense strategy of fighting adversaries abroad to protect its vulnerable borders.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app