Iran Nuclear Deal

This book examines attempts to influence the outcome of the negotiations between Iran and the United States over Iran’s nuclear capabilities. In particular, it focuses on struggles within the United States around public and congressional opinion with regard to the accord. Trying to prevent a successful outcome to the talks became a cottage industry in Washington, with the casino billionaire Sheldon Adelson being just one of those who were pouring millions of dollars into the effort. On the pro-diplomacy side, there were a wide range of religious, peace, and arms control groups with some financial support coming from the Ploughshares Fund trying to create the space for a negotiated agreement. The tactics of both sides of the debate are described and analyzed to show how a contentious foreign policy issue can become not just a decision for high-level government decision makers, but a wide-ranging fight that involves scores of nongovernmental organizations, the media, and thousands of activists.

“For those interested in a detailed recitation of resources, “The Iran Nuclear Deal” should please given its thorough analysis of the problems plaguing not only this particular accord, but also future diplomatic negotiations.” (Adam Reinherz, Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle, December, 2017)“In this book on the politics of the Iran nuclear deal, Jett takes an interesting, if imperfect, look at the domestic actors that sought to influence U.S. policy before and after the international negotiations that led to the deal. … it helps readers understand the complicated links between domestic politics and foreign policy that presidents and diplomats neglect at their peril.” (Foreign Affairs, March-April, 2018)

Dennis Jett is a Professor and founding faculty member at the School of International Affairs at Pennsylvania State University, USA. A former career diplomat, he served 28 years in the State Department in a wide range of positions including as Ambassador to Peru and Mozambique and on the National Security Council. He is the author of three books published by Palgrave Macmillan: Why Peacekeeping Fails, Why American Foreign Policy Fails, and American Ambassadors.