Operation Ajax : Studie om USA:s och Storbritanniens involvering i statskuppen, Iran 1953

Abstract: University of Växjö, School of Social Sciences Course: PO 5363, Political Science, G3 Title: the Role of the USA’s and Great Britain in the Coup d'Etat, Iran 1953 Author: Ashkan Panahirad Supervisor: Lennart Bergfeldt The purpose of this study is to examine Great Britain’s and US’ motives and action alternatives in regards to the Coup d'état against the iranian regime under Mossadegh in 1953. The method used is motive analysis (investigates the actors motives). The theories used are Rational actors model and Governmental politics. Rational actor model allows states to choose among a set of alternatives displayed in a particular situation in order to achieve their goals. Governmental politics explains what happens in states as a result of bargaining games between important actors in the government. Analysis from the rational actor model shows that the motives behind the Coup d'état were oil, economical reasons, Iran and communism. Coup d'état was the most rational action for them to achieve their goals. Governmental politics reveal the shifting of policies from one administration to another. While Clement Attlee’s government and Harry Truman’s administration where more moderate, Winston Churchill’s and Eisenhower’s where more eager to replace Mossadegh, which finally lead to a Coup d'état