Iran Program

As confrontation over Iran’s nuclear ambitions continues to fester, the complex sources of this crisis remain poorly appreciated. Iran’s nuclear aims, and international resistance to them, emerge from the convergence of several unique historical and contemporary forces. A peaceful resolution depends on taking the full breadth of these circumstances into account. This program addresses these dilemmas by assessing various elements influencing Iran’s nuclear decision making, such as domestic determinants of thinking about nuclear issues, the dynamics of contemporary Iranian political society, economic reform, democratization and human rights, human security conditions in Iran and the Middle East region, the current evolution of nuclear technology capabilities in Iran, and Iran’s role in the Middle East region.  

Simons Centre

he Simons Centre for Disarmament and Non-proliferation Research is an independent policy research centre within the Liu Institute for Global Issues at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Canada’s strong historical record for promoting nuclear disarmament offers a unique potential to connect research and education to policy-relevant analysis and outreach in a single synergistic program. Drawing on the Liu Institute’s eclectic and interdisciplinary environment, the Simons Centre undertakes a wide range of activities aiming at both immediate and long-term impact. As its programs develop, the Simons Centre looks to become a global crossroads combining leading-edge research and outreach with education and training of future generations of academics and practitioners in the field of nuclear arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament. 

Liu Institute

The Liu Institute for Global Issues pursues policy-relevant research on emerging issues that demand innovative, interdisciplinary, and impact-oriented responses from the academic community. A hallmark of the Liu Institute’s approach is bridging the gap between academia and practitioners. As a result, faculty and staff engage in both the policy development process and action on the ground. Through its publications, teaching, engagement in the policy process and links to practitioners, the Liu Institute seeks to improve knowledge, facilitate dialogue and information sharing and act as a catalyst for change. The Liu Institute is a research unit within the College for Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of British Columbia. 

Staff Information