​​​​Integrating the Appraisal Theory of Emotions into Existing IR Theory​: Traumatic Encounters Between the United States and Iran​

Abstract

This research project introduces an innovative perspective in International Relations (IR) by integrating the Appraisal Theory of emotions, commonly used in psychology, into the analysis of global political dynamics. Central to this study is the exploration of how emotions, particularly trust and mistrust, are both shaped by and shape international relations, with a specific focus on U.S.-Iran interactions. The project employs appraisal theory to understand how national narratives and collective memories influence the cognitive evaluations of states, thereby impacting their emotional responses and foreign policy decisions. This approach is pivotal in analyzing protracted conflicts and historical traumas, such as the 1979 hostage crisis and Iran's ballistic missile program, and their ongoing influence on U.S.-Iran relations.

By incorporating appraisal theory, analyzing narratives that reflect on elites’ discourses, and process tracing methods, this research moves beyond traditional IR theories that prioritize rational, strategic calculations, instead highlighting the significant role of emotional and psychological factors in world politics. This innovative methodology reveals the complex interplay of cognitive and emotional processes in shaping international policies and relations, challenging conventional views that deem emotions as irrational. The research underscores the need for a more comprehensive understanding of state behavior, advocating for a framework that integrates both rational and emotional elements in the analysis of international diplomacy.

This project also makes a substantial contribution to IR studies by offering a more nuanced view of state behavior, acknowledging the influence of emotional responses stemming from traumatic experiences alongside rational calculations. It provides a deeper insight into decision-making processes of states, particularly in high-level diplomacy, and paves the way for more effective foreign policy formulation. Additionally, it addresses the limitations of traditional analyses of U.S.-Iran relations by accommodating the fluidity and unpredictability inherent in their interactions. The project synthesizes these insights, emphasizing the novel perspective appraisal theory brings to understanding emotionally charged international conflicts, and sets the stage for future research in IR.