Conceptualizing “Rebel State” and “Rogue State”: the Iran case

Artsrun Tomeyan, School of Governance and Politics, MGIMO University

Elizaveta Zhuikova, School of Governance and Politics, MGIMO University

Abstract

The article in question focuses on the concept of rogue states, which was advanced by the USA in the 1990-s and a similar, yet representing a different point of view, concept of rebel states coined by Carlos Escude at the same time. The authors examine the origins and background of these theoretical constructs, highlight the differences in these two approaches and the fact that the former one is used as a form of stigmatization, meant to promote a unilateral approach to this group. The article exemplifies Iran as a rebel state that has been developing under tough sanctions for years.

Key words: rogue, rebel, sanctions, peripheral realism, states, Iran, the USA

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