2017•Comparative StrategyRequires access

Iranian approach to deterrence: Theory and practice

Guy Freedman

Abstract

Conventional wisdom holds that Iran has no formal doctrine of deterrence. Certain deterring agents have been identified, but these are incomplete and have not been organized as a whole to fully depict Iran's approach to deterrence. This article brings forward original Iranian literature in Farsi and presents Iran's definition and doctrine of deterrence: Altering the thought process of an enemy using inconspicuous threats, in order to remove external threats to Iran's security and independence. Understanding Iran's theory of deterrence is important both to policymakers and academics given the strategic interaction with Iran in recent years and in the future.

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Key concepts: Doctrine, Adversary, Deterrence theory, Independence (probability theory), Deterrence (psychology), Political science, Law and economics, Order (exchange)