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Guest Lecture: The Clash of Orientalism and Occidentalism Whither US-Iranian Relations?

February 23, 2015, 11:30 am - 12:45 pm
Location University Hall - 1040
More Informationhttp:/‌/‌www.montclair.edu/‌profilepages/‌media/‌6470/‌user/‌AriaFlyerFinal.pdfPosted InCollege of Humanities and Social Sciences

The 1979 Iranian revolution fueled a number of domestic,
regional and international repercussions. One of the dramatic
consequences was the change in IranÂ’s relationship with the
United States. While allies prior to the revolution, they became
adversaries. In her talk, Anahita Arian explains why this drastic
shift is rooted in constructed images in international relations.
These images are based on Orientalist and Occidentalist notion
and are highly problematic. The scholar discusses how these
fabricated identities affect US-Iranian foreign policies.While they
have led to a stalemate over the years, these images can
change. Ms. Arian argues that if successful, the current
negotiations between the two states may inaugurate a future in
which US-Iranian relations are peaceful instead of hostile.