Iran's Nuclear Ambitions [Paperback]

Shahram Chubin (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0870032305 | ISBN-13: 978-0870032301 | Publication Date: September 2006

Iran is aggressively seeking nuclear technology that could be used for making weaponsand its quest has set off alarms throughout the world. This widespread concern stems in part from Irans uncertain intentions and recent history. Will it remain a revolutionary power determined to subvert its Sunni Arab neighbors, destroy Israel, and spread theocratic government to other lands? Or would an Iran with nuclear weapons merely defend its territory from foreign aggression and live in peace with its neighbors? Are the countrys leaders and society willing to negotiate limits on nuclear capability and normalize relations with the West, or will they resist accommodation? Irans Nuclear Ambitions provides a rare, balanced look into the motivations, perceptions, and domestic politics swirling around Iran. Shahram Chubin, an Iranian-born security expert, details the recent history of Irans nuclear program and diplomacy. He argues that the central problem is not nuclear technology, but rather Irans behavior as a revolutionary state, with ambitions that collide with the interests of its neighbors and the West. Topics include: The view from Tehran Irans nuclear energy rationale, domestic politics, and decisionmaking Sources of concern, including the nature of Irans regime, its nuclear infrastructure, missile development, and terrorism Irans negotiating strategy The international response Iran and regional security, including the U.S. as a threat and rival, Irans regional ambitions, and Israel Policy options

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A uniquely well-researched, well-documented and argued study on the challenge posed by iran's nuclear project." -- Christoph Bertram, former head of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs

"Chubin's study is the definitive work on the subject and should be required reading for US and European decision-makers." -- Geoffrey Kemp, Director, Regional Strategic Programs, The Nixon Center

About the Author

Shahram Chubin is director of studies at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy. He has published widely in foreign affairs journals, including Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs, and Survival.

Product Details

• Paperback: 244 pages
• Publisher: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (September 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0870032305
• ISBN-13: 978-0870032301
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #737,393 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Concise analysis of the situation, June 3, 2007

By 

Tamara Mady (MN) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Iran's Nuclear Ambitions (Paperback)

This book is a very concise, short analysis of the book's title - Iran's nuclear ambitions. However, it's main flaw is that Chubin doesn't analyze the historical context, which I believe is essential to understanding Iran's current behavior. Otherwise, the book is an invaluable resource for understanding current events, and specifically, provides some of the best arguments for just why Iran shouldn't acquire nuclear capabilities.

4.0 out of 5 stars A worthwhile read, August 11, 2007

By 

Dee Dee "Book Maven" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Iran's Nuclear Ambitions (Paperback)

This is an excellent book on Iran's nuclear program. It is brief but gets the point accroos forcefully.

5.0 out of 5 stars Brief but to the point, May 26, 2007

By 

Reads a Lot "Reads A Lot" (Cleveland, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Iran's Nuclear Ambitions (Paperback)

This is not so much a book as a long article. But it reveals more about what Iran thinks about the nuclear issue than any other work I have read recently. It is critical of the Iranian leadership but its assessment of their ambitions and goals is balanced and revealing.