A Rational Theoretic Analysis of the Iran-Iraq War
Journal of Middle East Perspectives · 2 (2) · pp. 20-42
Supplied manuscript. Journal details follow the author’s November 2023 CV; this PDF is not identified as the publisher’s version.
Abstract
This article analyzes the case of Iran – Iraq War under Charles Glaser’s Rational Theory of International Politics (RTIP) framework and seeks out how does this approach provides an explanation concerning the initiation of the conflict. Firstly, the research portrays a literature review of the existing theoretical understandings the Iran – Iraq War and shows that these conceptualizations have rather narrow lenses. Secondly, the paper describes Glaser’s RTIP theorizing, its assumptions and variables, and shows that this theoretical standpoint is an attempt to fuse Realist, Liberal, and Constructivist interpretations into a workable framework. Thirdly, the study then analyzes the Iran – Iraq War through the perspective of Rational Theory, portraying that state motives based on greed and security seeking, capability determinants based on offense-defense balance and security dilemma, and mutual hostile perceptions due to each state not knowing the others’ motives were crucial triggers for the war.
Citation
Egehan Altınbay. 2022. “A Rational Theoretic Analysis of the Iran-Iraq War.” Journal of Middle East Perspectives 2 (2): 20-42.