Topic
Why Iran Remains a Challenge for U.S. Foreign Policy
Speaker
Professor Afshon Ostovar
Assistant Professor at Naval Postgraduate School
Overview
The United States and Iran have long had an adversarial relationship. Many observers point to the U.S.’s long history of interventions into Iranian politics as the factor that has most shaped the modern relationship
between the two nations. More recently, Iran’s expanding foothold across the Middle East has exacerbated U.S.-Iran relations. As of this writing, the most imminent threat emanates from Washington, where the Trump Administration is poised to retreat from the 2015 nuclear agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
Afshon Ostovar, a popular professor of Middle East politics at the Naval Postgraduate School, will examine the dynamics of the U.S.-Iran relationship and the U.S.’s strategy to combat Iran’s regional influence and nuclear ambitions.
Dr. Ostovar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of National Security Affairs at NPS. His research and writing focus on conflict and security in the Middle East, with a special focus on Iran and the Persian Gulf. His most recent book, Vanguard of the Imam: Religion, Politics and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (Oxford University Press, 2016) examines the rise of Iran’s most powerful armed force—the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC—and its role in power politics, regional conflicts, and political violence.
Dr. Ostovar earned his B.A., summa cum laude, in Near Eastern Studies from the University of Arizona and his Ph.D. in history from the University of Michigan.
Agenda
Thursday, May 17, 2018
11:30 am: Registration
12:00: Luncheon
12:50: Program
Location
Rancho Canada
4860 Carmel Valley Road
Luncheon Menu
- Asian Salad
- Teriyaki Salmon
- Roasted Red Potatoes and Vegetables
- Chef’s Choice Dessert
- Vegetarian Option: Vegetable Stir Fry
Luncheon Cost:
- $29 for members
- $35 for guests
- Credit card charge: $2 each person
- Lecture is open to the public at no charge, beginning at 12:50pm
Registration
To register by mail, fax, or phone click here to view or download the Luncheon Reservation form in PDF file format and follow the instructions.