The Effect of Western Sanctions on the Political Will and Economic Structure of Iran

One of the significant signs of the globalization phenomenon is the existence of close connection between economy and politics and deep correlation between these two. One of the most important matters that can influence the economic security of governments is the issue of economic sanctions. Islamic Republic of Iran has been constantly suffering from extensive economic sanctions. This study seeks to address this fundamental question: What impacts have the economic sanctions had on the economy and political will of the Islamic Republic of Iran according to the Realist, Liberalist and Constructivist schools of thought? The present study, using a descriptive-analytical method indicates that, according to Realism and Liberalism, economic sanctions have made the economic structure of the Islamic Republic suffer heavy losses. They have also led to changes in the political behavior of Iran and the countries that enforce these sanctions. According to the constructivist approach, however, despite their detrimental effects on the economy, the sanctions have not been able to undermine the political determination of the Iranian Nation-State in defending its lawful rights.