Author = Mahdi Shapouri
Number of Articles: 7
Trump Administration and Sovietization of the Islamic Republic of Iran: Why and How

Trump Administration and Sovietization of the Islamic Republic of Iran: Why and How

Volume 21, Issue 81, Autumn 2019, Pages 57-102

Farzad Poursaeed, Mahdi Shapouri

Abstract It seems that the objective of the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" strategy toward Iran is Sovietization of the country or, in fact, the disintegration of the Islamic Republic of Iran through using the experiences of the Reagan administration in dealing with the Soviet Union. The findings of the present article show that the masterminds behind this project include Foundation for Defense of Democracies and certain right-wing and conservative think tanks in the United States such as the Heritage Foundation and American Enterprise Institute, which are the remnants of the administrations of George Bush senior or George W. Bush. The US State Department and the CIA are the executive arm of the project that involves US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, US special representative for Iran Brian Hook, and White House national security adviser John Bolton. According to this project, the collapse of the "Islamic Republic" or a change in the ruling political system is not enough and the main goal is the disintegration of the "Islamic Republic of Iran". However, the adoption of such a strategy does not necessarily mean that it will succeed and there, are factors that seriously impede the realization of this project.  
 
 

The Economic Costs Of Terrorism In Western Asia: An Analytical Survey

The Economic Costs Of Terrorism In Western Asia: An Analytical Survey

Volume 20, Issue 77, December 2017, Pages 111-142

Mehdi Shapouri

Abstract This article will focus on the economic impact of terrorism in the Middle East and analysis the manner of terrorism affected on economic issues and trends in the region. The article main question is how terrorism has affected on economic situation in the Middle East? Terrorism is a destructive phenomenon and has negative effects and consequences on different functional sectors and spheres including economy. According to this Assumption, the article hypothesis is that terrorism has imposed a significant costs on the Middle East region by destruction the physical, humanitarian, social and cultural infrastructures and also increasing the uncertainty and created a security-oriented condition. That’s helped to continuity of backwardness in this region.
 
 

Security and Development in the Light of Foreign Policy

Security and Development in the Light of Foreign Policy

Volume 20, Issue 76, Summer 2017, Pages 7-32

Mahdi Shapouri, Masoud Mousavi Shafaee, Ahmad Sultaninejad

Abstract Conceptualization and the prism of the relationship between security and development have a great role in foreign policy making and its achievements or failures.  The paper argues that with the security agenda development and superiority of the positive security approach rather than negative approach, security and development has got a total positive sum and lack of one can pose a risk to the other. Therefore, foreign policy distance from a security basis on one hand, and to develop it on the basis of the two on the other hand is undeniable.
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The USA and the International System: From a Uni-polar  Order to Trans-Polar Order

The USA and the International System: From a Uni-polar Order to Trans-Polar Order

Volume 18, Issue 68, Summer 2016, Pages 139-165

Masoud Mousavi Shafaee, Mahdi Shapouri

Abstract  Given the modern achievements, analysis of new developments in the international arena require putting aside the traditional understanding and enjoying instead a knowledge of influential forces that are effective on dynamism, trends and results as well as introduction of new concepts.  In this way, the current paper reviews developments of the US foreign policy in the last two decades and the related theories about allocation of capabilities that are effective in shaping the poles of an international system; it also argues that, like in the past, in order to better understand the developments, it would be better to get to know the structure of poles in the international system; however, this is not enough and to achieve better understanding, one needs to know all influential new forces that affect dynamism, trends and results. To do so, the paper offers the idea of trans-pole concept according to which power is not bound to the old inter-governmental, limited and inflexible situation but enjoys some new aspects.  

China policy toward Iran nuclear dispute and effective factors on it

China policy toward Iran nuclear dispute and effective factors on it

Volume 15, Issue 58, Summer 2013, Pages 143-170

Ahmad Soltaninejad, Mostafa Zahrani, Mehdi Shapoori

Abstract Abstract Since the beginning of the Iranian nuclear dispute, China has been one of the influential actors in this quarrel. Therefore, understanding the policy of the country about this conflict is an important matter. This essay deals with this subject. Its main argument is that China's need to both: innovative technologies and economic markets of America's, and the Iran's energy and its geopolitical and geostrategic position. In such condition, China in its policies regarding the conflict, try to balancing the demands of main parties of this dispute.

United States of America and Irans nuclear program: Rollback strategy and its means

United States of America and Iran's nuclear program: Rollback strategy and its means

Volume 16, Issue 59, Spring 2013, Pages 107-148

Ahmad Soltaninejad, Mostafa Zahrani, Mehdi Shapoori

Abstract This article tries to review USA’s main strategy to encounter with Iranian nuclear dispute, its means and its prospect. Authors argue that nuclear rollback is USA’s main strategy in Iranian nuclear dispute. Diplomacy, sanction, deterrence, containment, threat of military attack, and sabotage are the most important instruments of this strategy. Recent increase of pressures and threats against Iran and emphasizing od rejection of nuclear Iran, shows that USA is serious in nuclear rollback strategy to convince Iran to give up its nuclear program.

Aspects and impacts of Irans risky geopolitics

Aspects and impacts of Iran's risky geopolitics

Volume 14, Issue 54, Winter 2012, Pages 163-192

Seyed masood mosavi shafaee, Mahdi shapoori

Abstract Abstract:  this article uses the concept of "risky geopolitics" to explain security threats and their consequences, emanating from foreign environment of Islamic republic of Iran. Author argues that securitization of Iran's peripheral environment after Islamic revolution, is effect of geopolitical changes. According to the argument, factors like peak oil production, emergence of Shiite geopolitics, terrorism in Middle East, continuation of arab-israeli conflict and nuclear Middle East, are causes of securitization and geopolitical threat against Iranian national security. Authors claim that these factors have close relations and are interconnected in Iran environment. Impacts of this situation are Isolation, sanction and threat of resorting to military action from great powers, especially United States.