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Understanding the relationship Iran has with its neighbors, Israel, and the West is integral in evaluating the domestic and foreign policy of the nation. This study investigated the role of different leadership styles within Iran and how such leadership changes influenced Iranian foreign policy. The study utilized event-data analysis of Iranian history and current events and discussed the role of realist and idealist to the development of Iran into the regional power it is today as well as how Western relations played a role in developing Iranian foreign policy, particularly with regard to its nuclear development. In addition to reviewing the role of different revolutionary leadership styles within Iran, the research considers the role that Iranian-Western relations have played in Iranian policy-making. Further, this study considers the tumultuous role that nuclear development has had in Iran´s foreign relations.

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Aida Latorre graduated from the University of Central Florida with an M.A. in International Studies. Her focus was Middle Eastern politics. She hopes to continue her knowledge working for the government in this subject matter. She currently resides in Denver, CO where she continues to pursue her hobby of learning new languages.

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