Description
Türkiye, Iran, and the Politics of Comparison explores the historical relationship between the United States and two crucial Middle Eastern powers. Perin E. Gürel argues that American policymakers have deliberately constructed Turkey and Iran as opposing archetypes—one a favored ally, the other a persistent adversary—despite their comparable geopolitical positions and shared cultural heritage.
By deconstructing the comparative framework that has dominated Western analysis of these nations, Gürel reveals how political choices rather than inherent differences have shaped their divergent trajectories. The book traces how Cold War alliances, strategic interests, and ideological preferences led the United States to embrace Turkey while isolating Iran, creating a narrative that persists in contemporary international relations.
Drawing on extensive archival research and theoretical insights from international studies, this LSE publication offers crucial perspectives on how great powers construct geopolitical hierarchies and the lasting consequences of these decisions on regional stability and national identities.
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