Institute of Politics

After nearly four decades of mutual mistrust, the relationship between United States and Iran is entering a tantalizing new phase, where sharp contrasts in ideology are giving way to realpolitik. The fight against ISIS has presented an area of unexpected shared strategic interest between the two countries, only to be complicated by recent developments in Yemen. The deadline for a historic nuclear negotiation is quickly approaching, where both sides face significant political hurdles at home. How much has the pressure of falling oil price and tough sanctions compelled Iran to the bargaining table? Would recent unease between the U.S. and its traditional allies in Israel and Saudi Arabia affect American attitudes towards Iran? Does the election of President Rouhani in 2013 give reason for hope and optimism, or does the legacy of the 1979 revolution still rule in Tehran? To explore the many elements in this dynamic relationship, proper U.S. policy, and what it means for the future of the region, we are joined by a panel of leading experts, including Dr. Rachel Bronson, Executive Director and Publisher of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, and former Senior Fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Professor Hadi S. Esfahani, professor of Economics at UIUC and founding member of the International Iranian Economic Association, and Professor Khalil Marrar, professor of Political Science at Governors State University and author of “The Arab Lobby and US Foreign Policy.” This event is part of the International Policy Program’s Foreign Policy Friday series. Lunch will be provided.