A research paper by Majid Afshani, Chair of the International Department, and Seyed Mohammad Sadegh Emamian, Co-founder and Senior Advisor at the GPTT, has been published in the Journal of Middle East Review of Public Policy and Administration (MERPPA).

The study highlights the role of non-governmental think tanks in the U.S. policy advisory system, noting that these institutions not only provide recommendations on challenging and controversial issues but also actively participate in the implementation of policy.

The research sheds light on the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) as an important case in Iran’s international relations, examining it through an academic approach. The paper argues that excessive politicization and the influence of foreign lobbies have led to instability and inconsistency in U.S. foreign policy concerning nuclear issues. In contrast, the security approach to Iran’s nuclear program has limited the capability to use the full capacity of governmental and non-governmental advisory bodies. Meanwhile, the broader policy-making framework has aimed for continuity and consistency in its general foreign policy, by resisting politicization.

The study also reveals that despite significant differences, the policy advisory systems of Iran and the U.S. are becoming increasingly similar due to global trends. Two similar patterns have intensified both PASs towards politicization: First, the direct involvement and institutional monopoly of the most in-house advisory agencies at presidential offices inevitably framed the issue to become a topic of partisan conflict. The second factor was the policy effect of emerging technologies, especially social media; Digital campaigns are expanding with a host of new tricks to influence politics, including fake news, information operations, political microtargeting, and fabricated polls.