This accessible and authoritative history of Iran's relations with the world since the revolution shows that behind the famous personalities and extremist slogans is a nation far more pragmatic—and complex—than many in the West have been led to believe.

When Lee Kuan Yew speaks, who listens? Presidents, prime ministers, chief executives, and all who care about global strategy. Graham Allison and Robert Blackwill, two leading strategic thinkers, a…