Deterrence Model of Iran's Foreign Policy: A Theoretical Approach

Deterrence is one of the most important issues in international relations and strategic studies. Strategic threats leads states to design power-centric systems especially deterrence. This paper argues how strategic threats, before and after the Islamic Revolution, led Iran to design this system. It maintains that there are variety of complex and dynamic factors that has shaped Iran's foreign policy deterrence model. By analyzing strategic environment and networks, this study intends to provide a critical insight in identifying key problems of Iran's deterrence model. As conclusion, it is important to note that the Islamic Republic of Iran sought to enhance the credibility of its deterrent model by a relative emphasis on strategic network-building.