In this Case Study Report, the author examines the U.S.-Iran negotiations on a nuclear agreement, which serve as an empirical example of the Two-Level Games model the political scientist Robert Putnam introduced in 1988.
At first, this paper provides a brief overview of the complex relationship between the USA and Iran, Putnam’s Theory and its suitability for this case. Secondly, it introduces the relevant actors, their goals and the respective domestic factors of both countries which had influenced the negotiations that finally led to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015. Since then president Donald Trump withdrew from this nuclear agreement in 2018, it will examine the chances for a return to the deal/a new deal under the new Biden administration. In a short conclusion, the author sums up the results and comes to a final assessment of the current situation.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction/Abstract
(Historical) background, Putnam’s model of Two-Level Games and case selection
2. Negotiations leading to JCPOA: Actors, goals, and domestic factors of the USA
3. Negotiations leading to JCPOA: Actors, goals, and domestic factors of the Iran
4. Termination of the JCPOA and chances of its reversion/a new arrangement
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This case study report analyzes the U.S.-Iran negotiations regarding a nuclear agreement through the theoretical lens of Robert Putnam’s "Two-Level Games" model. The primary objective is to examine how domestic factors and internal political constraints in both nations shaped the negotiation process leading to the 2015 JCPOA, the subsequent U.S. withdrawal under the Trump administration, and the potential for a renewed diplomatic arrangement under the Biden administration.
- Application of the Two-Level Games theory to U.S.-Iran diplomacy.
- Analysis of domestic actors, institutional constraints, and political goals in the USA.
- Evaluation of Iranian internal politics, including the role of religious leadership and regime legitimacy.
- Impact of the Trump administration's policy shifts and the role of ideological influence.
- Prospects for future negotiations and potential obstacles to a new nuclear deal.
Excerpt from the Book
(Historical) background, Putnam’s model of Two-Level Games and case selection
The relationship between the USA and Iran goes back to the 19th century and is characterized by different phases and many complications. A major turning point occurred in 1953 when the Americans intervened in Iranian politics by supporting an inside coup of politicians, officers and clerics who removed the democratically elected prime minister Mohammad Mosaddegh from office. Afterwards the pro-U.S. shah regained power and especially during the regime of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi the relationship between the U.S. and Iran were cooperative, not least since the U.S. strongly profited from the Iranian oil industry (cf. Latschan 2017). The Iranian revolution in 1979 blindsided the USA and led to the removal of the shah, who later fled to the U.S. where he got medical care.
This provoked many protests in Iran and a group of radical supporters of the religious leader Ruhollah Khomeini got into the U.S. embassy and kidnapped 52 American diplomates. This event clearly marked the end of their friendly relations since the hostage crisis lasted 444 days and ended only after the death of the shah and some American concessions to Iran (cf. National Archives 2017). Since then both countries have not sent ambassadors to the respective other country and for a long time no diplomatic talks took place. Nevertheless, the USA still had political and economic interests in the Middle East and suspected in 2002 that Iran had secret nuclear facilities which violated the conditions of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) the Iran had signed in 1968 (cf. Topa 2020).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction/Abstract: This section outlines the analytical framework of the report, introducing Putnam's theory and the scope of the case study concerning U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations.
(Historical) background, Putnam’s model of Two-Level Games and case selection: This chapter provides a historical overview of U.S.-Iran relations and explains the theoretical applicability of the Two-Level Games model.
2. Negotiations leading to JCPOA: Actors, goals, and domestic factors of the USA: This chapter analyzes the American side of the negotiations, focusing on domestic actors, political institutions, and the strategic rationale of the Obama administration.
3. Negotiations leading to JCPOA: Actors, goals, and domestic factors of the Iran: This chapter examines the Iranian perspective, highlighting the influence of domestic power structures and the role of religious leadership in shaping the decision to support the JCPOA.
4. Termination of the JCPOA and chances of its reversion/a new arrangement: This chapter discusses the impact of the Trump administration's withdrawal from the deal and evaluates the prospects for a new agreement under the Biden administration.
5. Conclusion: The concluding section synthesizes the findings, confirming the utility of Putnam’s model in explaining the complexities of the U.S.-Iran diplomatic track.
Keywords
Two-Level Games, JCPOA, U.S.-Iran relations, Nuclear Proliferation, Robert Putnam, Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Sanctions, Middle East, International Relations, Domestic Politics, Obama Administration, Trump Administration, Biden Administration, Tehran.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this report?
The report examines the history and dynamics of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations using Robert Putnam’s "Two-Level Games" model to explain how domestic political pressures influence international agreements.
Which theoretical framework is applied?
The work utilizes the Two-Level Games theory, which posits that international negotiators are constrained by the need to satisfy both international counterparts and domestic political actors simultaneously.
What is the primary research question?
The study explores how domestic actors, institutional setups, and personal intentions of national leaders affected the 2015 JCPOA and subsequent diplomatic developments between Washington and Tehran.
Which methodology is used in the study?
The research is a case study analysis that combines historical context with political science theory to interpret the decision-making processes within the USA and Iran during various stages of nuclear negotiations.
What does the main body cover?
It details the historical timeline of the relationship, analyzes specific internal stakeholders (such as Congress, the White House, and the Iranian religious leadership), and examines the policy reversals triggered by changes in administration.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Two-Level Games, JCPOA, foreign policy, nuclear proliferation, U.S.-Iran diplomacy, and domestic political constraints.
How did domestic political factors influence the 2015 JCPOA?
In the U.S., Obama navigated institutional constraints despite a divided government, while in Iran, Khamenei eventually supported the deal to improve regime legitimacy and alleviate the economic strain of sanctions.
What motivated the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement in 2018?
The report attributes the withdrawal primarily to President Trump’s personal agenda to dismantle his predecessor's legacy and his alignment with domestic interest groups that held strong anti-Iran and pro-Israel positions.
How does the author view the potential for a new deal under President Biden?
The author expresses cautious optimism, noting that Biden’s wide win-set and lack of re-election concerns create a window of opportunity for a minimalist agreement, despite challenges posed by Iran’s conservative leadership.
- Quote paper
- Ariatani Wolff (Author), 2021, Two-Level Diplomacy and U.S.-Iran Policy. A Case Study Report, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1127701
