GOV 204 Final Exam - Iran, Israel, and International Relations Flashcards

Vocabulary vocabulary flashcards derived from the GOV 204 final exam study sheet, focusing on Middle East foreign policy, historical timelines (1953–2018), and theoretical frameworks.

Supreme Leader

The highest-ranking political and religious authority in the Islamic Republic of Iran's political system.

Proxy Group

A non-state actor or group that fights on behalf of another state to advance that state's interests while avoiding direct war.

Zionism

The movement and ideology supporting the self-determination of the Jewish people and the establishment of a Jewish state.

Security Dilemma

A situation where a state's efforts to increase its own security (such as building up a military) leads other states to feel less secure, potentially causing an escalation of conflict.

Regime (International Relations)

A set of principles, norms, rules, and decision-making procedures around which actors' expectations converge in a specific area of international relations, such as global maritime laws.

Transit Passage

A rule under international law that allows for the continuous and expeditious passage of ships and aircraft through straits used for international navigation.

1953 Event (Iran)

The overthrow of Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh in a coup backed by the United States and the United Kingdom, restoring the power of the Shah.

1979 Event (Iran)

The Iranian Revolution, which resulted in the overthrow of the U.S.-aligned monarchy and the establishment of the Islamic Republic, transforming the U.S.-Iran relationship from allies to enemies.

JCPOA (2015)

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a nuclear agreement reached between Iran and world powers to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for economic sanctions relief.

2018 (U.S.-Iran Timeline)

The year the United States withdrew from the JCPOA, leading to renewed sanctions and increased tension between the two nations.

Strait of Hormuz

A strategically critical waterway for the global economy and oil transport that is considered a collective good requiring international cooperation.

Realism (U.S.-Israel Context)

A theory explaining the U.S.–Israel relationship based on military and security cooperation and strategic interests.

Liberalism (U.S.-Israel Context)

A theory explaining the U.S.–Israel relationship based on shared democratic values and political systems.

Constructivism (U.S.-Israel Context)

A theory explaining the U.S.–Israel relationship based on religion, culture, and shared identity.

Individual Level of Analysis

A level of political analysis focusing on the role of specific leaders, their personality, and their individual decision-making in the U.S.–Iran conflict.

State Level of Analysis

A level of analysis focusing on a country's internal political system, ideology, and domestic pressures.

International Level of Analysis

A level of analysis focusing on the global system, including the state of anarchy and the distribution of power between nations.