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Conference: Iran in the World: Old challenges and new opportunities in the changing Middle EastDeakin University, Melbourne, Australia9 - 10 October 2014The Middle East has undergone significant changes in the past two decades, with a number of new challenges emerging. Iran, as a key player in the Middle East, has not been shielded from these changes. The toppling of the Taliban in Afghanistan brought US troops onto Iran's doorstep, the Arab revolutions have undermined Iran's ally in Syria, and the growing sectarian tension between Sunni and Shia communities has presented difficult questions for Iranian policy makers. All of this has taken place against a new international setting, where Iran is now seeking relief from sanctions over its nuclear program.Given the complexity of these challenges, it is important to explore the road ahead. What options are open to the government of President Hassan Rouhani? How is Iran planning to address these challenges?The organising committee welcomes the submission of abstracts that look at external pressures on Iran and how the Iranian leadership is responding to these pressures. Papers on Iranian foreign policy formulation, the range of options open to policy makers, and the trajectory of change in foreign policy direction are most encouraged.Convenor: Prof Shahram AkbarzadehPlease visit conference website for details of abstract submission: www.deakin.edu.au/ccg/iran-in-the-world