ABSTRACT
In this chapter I proceed to operationalize and test hypotheses evolved during the preceding two chapters which suggest that changes in Russian–Iranian bilateral relations are dependent upon shifting domestic political conditions. By focusing this investigation upon the influence of prominent political parties, factions, and the quality of representation at any given time, these tests seek to address the importance of changing institutional conditions to larger questions of international relations. In all instances, the dependent variable of Russian–Iranian relations is here operationally defined as General Political Association, the scaled composite variable constructed in Chapters 2 and 3. The three- stage format for testing in this chapter will mirror that which was established in Chapter 4.
