ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the second phase of Iran-Iraq relations, the détente period, applying the integrated approach to understanding interstate conflict escalation. In doing so, it will be demonstrated how this period experienced cooperative reciprocity towards Iranian regional leadership, initiatives for regional security cooperation, and economic collaboration around petroleum prices. Cooperative foreign policy reciprocity evolved throughout the period, including with the backdrop of the Iranian revolution. Indeed, the Iraqi government even sought to mitigate the domestic instability seen in Iran by supporting the Shah’s request to eject prominent revolutionary leader Ayatollah Khomeini. It will be demonstrated that this cooperation took place in spite of the rapid convergence that was experienced in the comparative dynamic power capabilities of Iran and Iraq, although the greatest level of cooperation was seen under Iranian preponderance at the beginning of the period.
