The Iranian nuclear crisis has dominated world politics since the beginning of the century, with the country now facing increasing diplomatic isolation, talk of military strikes against its nuclear facilities and a disastrous Middle East war. What is Iran's nuclear programme all about? What is its genesis? There is little real understanding of Iran's nuclear programme, in particular its history, which is now over fifty years old. This ground-breaking book is unprecedented in its scope. It argues that the history of Iran's nuclear programme and the modern history of the country itself are irretrievably linked, and only by understanding one can we understand the other. From the programme's beginnings under the Shah of Iran, the book details the central role of the US in the birth of nuclear Iran, and, through the relationship between the programme's founder and the Shah of Iran himself, the role that nuclear weapons have played in the programme since the beginning. The author's unique access to 'the father' of Iran's nuclear programme, as well as to key scientific personnel under the early Islamic Republic and to senior Iranian and Western officials at the centre of today's negotiations, sheds new light on the uranium enrichment programme that lies at the heart of global concerns. What emerges is a programme that has, for a variety of reasons, a deep resonance to Iran. This is why it has persisted with it for over half a century in the face of such widespread opposition. Drawing on years of research across the world, David Patrikarakos has produced the most comprehensive examination of Iran's nuclear programme - in all its forms to date.

This ground-breaking book argues that Iran's nuclear programme and the modern history of the country itself are irretrievably linked; and only by understanding one can we understand the other.

About the Author
David Patrikarakos is a writer and journalist who has written for the New Statesman, Financial Times, the London Review of Books, Prospect and the Guardian.

Reviews
'This book is well worth reading. It is an engaging account of the whole story of Iranian nuclear policy, and then material on the Shah's programme creates interesting context for current developments. It represents a well-told story which, for those interested in Iran, and those who wish to learn more about the place given the nuclear crisis, will be a very useful source and reference point.' Professor Michael Clarke, Director General, Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI) 'An interesting and informative window into Iranian thinking - a unique and fascinating book.' Mark Fitzpatrick, Director, Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Programme, International Institute for Strategic Studies 'One of the best and most readable accounts of a programme which has come to define Iran's relations with the West. An essential read for the general reader and specialist alike.' Ali Ansari, Professor of History at University of St Andrews and Director of the Institute for Iranian Studies 'Essential reading for political leaders, journalists and all others interested in international politics and international relations - highly recommended.' Professor Frank Barnaby, Nuclear Issues Consultant, Oxford Research Group 'Engaging and comprehensive - the first detailed study of its kind. A must read in all the power centres that are so acutely and urgently concerned with Iran's nuclear project, including the IAEA, UN, America, EU and Iran.' Homa Katouzian, St Antony's College, University of Oxford



Book Information
ISBN 9781780761251
Author David Patrikarakos
Format Hardback
Page Count 368
Imprint I.B. Tauris
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 576g