Clues to what is happening this summer.
1. Neorealism explains it best.
Why? What we are seeing is balance of power and a reaffirmation of how US-UK perceive the international order: there is no safety so we have to take security over “perceived” threats on our hands. I say “perceived” because economic interests are at stake since 1980s in the Gulf, capitalists are eager to break through, a marxist theory would point out.
2. No de-escalation efforts
Yesterday, #FareedZakaria, one of the main theorists of neoclassical realism, did an interview with #AndersonCooper. (Watch here) His controversial view is clearly on the spot: rallying on tensions are happening on many fronts, adding pressure and sanctions have NO pacific end. No negotiations, no talks are on the horizon for conflict de-escalation.
In that sense, my take is: the bed is being made and is not going to be pretty at all.
3. Beware of narratives for they are one-sided
War journalism is having a feast. Al Jazeera along with RT are few of the mainstream outlets seeking to give Iran a voice. When doing discourse analysis, Iran has been very coy and stating those seeking confrontation are countries from other parts of the world. The enrichment of uranium is the top loophole they are failing to address. Iran’s position on the chess board is crystal clear. US strategy is backfiring while Saudi Arabia and Israel’s silence is a sure safety net. UK’s involvement is surprising at this point but after Trump’s visit to London last June, it only reassures a bigger strategy is on the works.
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Feminist Theory Tip
A feminist theorist would say there is a threat to hegemonic masculinity. Iran is being punished for attempting to develop elements (some say of course, a weapon of mass destruction) only allowed to “true” and “strong” men. Iran’s desire to contest Saudi Arabia’s influence in the Middle East as well as Turkey doesn’t help. The fact that it has called for the destruction of Israel, US protegé, is another red flag showing this male State is behaving “bad”, it is an “enemy” of the “camaraderie” of States. He is therefore, considered, a villain to the status quo.
