Includes bibliographical references (pages 171-221) and index.

"Are we on the cusp of detente with Iran? Conventional wisdom certainly seems to believe so. In the aftermath of the interim nuclear deal struck in November 2013 between the Islamic Republic and the P5+1 powers (the United States, France, England, Russia, China and Germany), hopes are now running high for a historic reconciliation between Iran's clerical regime and the West. Yet there is already ample reason for skepticism that the United States and Europe can truly curb Iran's nuclear ambitions by diplomatic means. Moreover, the current focus on Iran's nuclear program on the part of Western governments is deeply dangerous, because it fails to recognize-let alone address-Iran's other international activities, or its foreign policy ambitions. Those objectives are global in scope, and they are growing. "-- Provided by publisher.