What Is the Impact of Iran Developing a Nuclear Weapon - Research Proposal Example

NUCLEAR WEAPONS IRAN Name Course Institution Date 1. Proposed question The proposed question is determining the impact of Iran’s development of nuclear weapons 2. Research objective To examine the impact of Iran’s development of nuclear weapons 3. Aims of dissertation To establish history of nuclear weapon development in Iran To determine why Iran continues to develop nuclear weapons despite the imposed sanctions To examine the international relations between Iran and international community To examine the international community’s perception towards development of nuclear weapons in Iran 4. Dissertation position in existing literature The literature review will be based on four main chapters that will be discussed below. Chapter 1: Introduction The history of nuclear program could be traced back after the cold war with the 1970s. Prior to this period, the United States and Iran had established strong relationships, especially with Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was then the Shah of Iran (Anthony, 2006). The strong relationships saw Iran benefit from nuclear research and support from the United States on matters of Atoms for Peace Program. With a strong economy that was attributed to high prices of oil, Iran began importation of nuclear facilities. The main goal, however, was to establish Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI). Iran had already signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in 1968, committing itself in creating a nuclear-free Middle East (Ahmed, 2006). However, the increased importation of the nuclear facilities and the expansion of such activities in Iran caused the U.S to be skeptical. In respond to this, the United States asked European nation to limit their exportations of nuclear materials to Iran. In 1990s, under the leadership of Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei, Iran was on the offensive and actively participated in production nuclear weapons. The Iranian government turned towards China and Russian for imports, to facilitate it plan. However, all the activities towards the enrichment of Uranium remained a secret until 2002 when the it was exposed by intelligence reports (Barbara, 2007). However, there has been conflicting reports on whether Iran has the capacity to successful make nuclear weapons and actually uses them against innocent people. In 2006, after many negotiations failed to convince Iran to stop enriching uranium and its manufacture of nuclear weapons, the UN Security Council decided to impose sanctions. Despite this, Iran has continued to remain adamant. It has continued to support its program. One explanation is that Iran considers its security to be of paramount importance than anything else. From the neorealism perspective, it is indicated that a country will seek to have weapons of mass destruction, not necessarily to use them, but to boost its military power. Iran considers itself to be under threat, especially after attacks from Iraq and Afghanistan. The Iran’s relationship with countries such as Israel and Saudi Arabia are characterised by suspicion and desire to gain control in Middle East. These are some of the main reasons prompting Iran to continue with its nuclear weapon program. Chapter 2: Israel Both Israel and Iran have been tainted diplomatic relations owing to a number of reasons. Firstly, Israel is perceived to be a threat to the rise and autonomy of Islam in the Middle East (Clifton, 2012). Israel is seen as an enemy of Islam, especially because of the relationship it has had with Palestinians, who are mostly Muslims. Iran wants to ensure Israel’s power dominance in the Middle East is weakened. Israel has strong ties with the Western countries, especially the United States, a situation that does not auger well with Iran. One of the major fears among the Israelites is that if Iran is allowed to continue the production of nuclear weapons, it will pose great threat and destabilize the region. Israel does not believe Iran’s claim that the involvement in nuclear weapons is for peace purposes. This explains why Israel is so skeptical about the on-going negotiations between Iran, United States, France, Germany and Russia. The negotiations aim at convincing Iran to reduce its massive production of nuclear weapons in exchange to lifting of the sanctions. Iran is still adamant, and not willing to stop its manufacture of weapons. One of the main ironies is that most of the developed countries, which have been against Iran’s production of nuclear weapons already, possess large piles of these weapons. Even Israel is considered a nuclear country, though it insists that such weapons are not meant to be used against any innocent people. The main question among the Iranians is why the world, especially the western countries have been applying double standards. Israel has also refused to be a party to the 1970 Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty. This treaty was meant to ensure that the Middle East became a nuclear free zone. Another question has been why Israel expects Iran to adhere to the 1970 Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty, while it (Israel) is not doing the same. In 2010, Israel demonstrated its commitment to ensure that Iran does not succeed in its production of nuclear weapons by deploying its intelligence and submarines with nuclear weapons (Cirincione, 2012). The exercise was meant to pressure Iran by threatening it with military intervention and possible use of nuclear weapons. Israel has always insisted on striking Iran to stop it completely from becoming a nuclear weapon. As it stands, especially from the on-going negotiations, Iran will still achieve its objective of becoming a nuclear country. The country is ready to be punished or hit with other sanctions than stop its plans. However, this will further taint the relationship between Israel and Iran. There is a power struggle between the two counties, where each wants to be considered superior. Chapter 3: Middle East Power From a realism perspective, every country has a right to defend itself and ensure that its interests are secure. This has been one of the main aims of that Iran has been willing to achieve. Iran feels that it is threatened by the uprising terror activities, especially in countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq. The regional threats also come from Israel, which has been against Iran’s attempt to manufacture nuclear weapons. Iran has also not had good relationship with its neighbours, including Saudi Arabia (Kilcullen, 2009). Each country has been working towards strengthening their militaries to gain control in the Middle East. Just like any other country, Iran has always wanted to protect its interest, including security for its people. Contrary to the popular opinion that Iran may be planning to use its weapons against innocent people, the opposite could actually be the truth. The possession of nuclear weapons is meant to cause fear in the region. The country also wants to ensure that it does that it is able to gain respect from Middle East. It is not necessarily aiming at using the nuclear weapons against any country, but enjoying the prestige and advantages that comes with possessing nuclear weapons. Iran also wants the western countries, such as United States to stop meddling with its internal affairs. Hence, the main aim of manufacturing nuclear weapons is to gain military power in the Middle East and gain protection against any enemies. Chapter 4: Global Relations Iran has had the worst diplomatic relationships with most countries, especially in the western world. The diplomatic relationships worsened in December 2006, when the UN Security Council decided to impose sanctions against Iran. The intelligence reports indicated that Iran was still pursuing its plans of enriching uranium, a situation that would see the country begin the production of weapons of mass destruction. Subsequently, Iran was accused of contravening the 1970 Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (Roger, 2007). The sanctions were meant to weaken Iran economically and militarily, hence being forced from pursuing its plans. However, while Iran has been affected economically by the sanctions, the leaders have remained undeterred. This may explains why the western nations are willing to use dialogue to bring Iran on the table. The relationships between Iran, China and Russia have not been as bad as with that of most western countries. This is explained by the fact that both China and Russian have been calling for diplomatic and political approach to finding an amicable solution Iran. China, for instance, has always against meddling in internal affairs of other countries. Similarly, Russia has also supported diplomatic approach. This was demonstrated when Russian prevented the United States from striking Syria. The Russian government offered to talk to Syrian government to destroy all the weapons of mass destructions, which it was alleged to have used against its people. Iran’s good relationship with Russia has the two engage in many business transactions, especially before the sanctions. Iran imported most of her military arsenal from Russia. Currently, though, Iran remains isolated from other countries due to the existing sanctions and the pressure from the United States. This explains why the relationship between the U.S and Iran has been worse since 2006. Iran accuses the U.S of applying double standards and not been genuine. This is because the U.S is also a nuclear country, but does not want Iran to continue with the similar program. Trade between Iran and western countries was halted. However, the diplomatic approach that has currently been undergoing may assist in resolving the standoff between Iran and the rest of the world. The Iranians are hopeful that a mutual agreement will be reached in order to ensure that the country is able to grow its economy and solve many social problems the country is currently facing. 5. Methodology The research seeks to use secondary sources of information that will include books, journals and reliable websites. The internet library will be imperative in providing the needed information. The research aims and objectives will assist the researcher in obtaining the relevant information for literature review. 6. Research structure The research will include five main chapters. Chapter 1 will introduce the research question. It will focus on history of development in Iran and the reason behind this. Chapter 2 will focus on relationship between Iran and Israel. It will also focus on Israel’s perception to Iran’s development of nuclear weapons. Chapter 3 will look at the correlation between need for military power in Middle East and development of nuclear weapons. The chapter 4 will focus on the relationship between Iran and the global community. This will include how Iran relates with the United States. Chapter 5 will focus on conclusion based on research. 7. Ethical consideration The researcher will adhere to research professionalism. This will include obtained unbiased data, and making objective analysis. The researcher aims at approaching the study from a wider perspective, hence preventing any subjectivity that affects the credibility. Chapter 5: Conclusion Despite the sanction and political and economic isolation, Iran remains focused on its goal. The UN Security Council thought that by imposing sanctions, Iran would cease its production of nuclear weapons, or provide necessary information about its uranium enrichment program. While the sanctions have affected the country economically, Iran has not been remains focused and standing firm. This explains the importance of nuclear weapons to Iran. The country considers security to be of paramount importance that any other thing. The country is ready to lose everything to defend its program. Iran considers western countries and Israel to be malicious and perpetuating injustice. All these countries possess and continue to engage in manufacture of nuclear weapons. The relationship between Iran and the international community has been adversely affected by the sanctions. Currently, though, plans are underway to ensure that the country’s diplomatic ties with other countries are improved. However, it is too early to celebrate owing to the fact that both Iran and negotiating partners have put conditions that have to be met prior to signing the agreement. Other countries, such as Israel still thinks that allowing Iran to manufacture nuclear weapons is tantamount to destabilizing the Middle East. References Ahmed R. (2003). Descent into Chaos: The United States and the Failure of Nation Building in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia, New York: Viking Anthony H. Cordesman and Khalid R. Al-Rodhan (2006), Iran’s Weapons of Mass Destruction: The Real and Potential Threat (Washington, DC: CSIS Press, 2006), Barbara, S.2007 Bitter Friends, Bosom Enemies: Iran, the U.S., and the Twisted Path to Confrontation New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2007 Clifton W. 2012, Why Iran Wants the Bomb and What It Means For Us Policy, Non-proliferation Review, Vol. 19, Cirincione, B. 2012 Deadly Arsenals: Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Threats, second ed. 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