No Conquest, No Defeat: Iran's National Security Strategy

by Ariane M Tabatabai

In early 2019, the Islamic Republic of Iran marked its fortieth anniversary, despite decades of isolation, political pressure, sanctions and war. Observers of its security policies continue to try and make sense of this unlikely endurance. Some view the regime as a purely rational actor, whose national security decisions and military affairs are shaped by the same considerations as in other states. Others believe that it is ideology driving Tehran's strategy. Either way, virtually everyone agrees that the mullahs' policies are fundamentally different from those pursued by their monarchical predecessors.

No Conquest, No Defeat offers a historically grounded overview of Iranian national security. Tabatabai argues that the Islamic Republic is neither completely rational nor purely ideological. Rather, its national security policy today is largely shaped by its strategic culture, a product of the country's historical experiences of war and peace. As a result, Iranian strategic thinking is perhaps best characterized by its dynamic yet resilient nature, one that is continually evolving. As the Islamic Republic enters its fifth decade, this book sheds new light on Iran's controversial nuclear and missile programs and its involvement in Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.

Genres: Iran, Middle East

400 pages, Hardcover

Published October 15, 2020

Reviews

[Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Iran National security policy is continuing to be the same as their ancestors.

[Syed Saqib Mumtaz Hashmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although skewed with Anti-Iran rhetorics but still a very good book giving insights into how Iran sees herself and the world. Colonialism, frequent take over of Iranian resources and uncalled invasions has left Iran seeking more and more anti-imperialists stance.
The book gives a detailed account of the history and how it plays an important in determining how Iran responds in 21st century to threats and provocations.