1st Edition

Iran's Unresolved Revolution

By Mark Downes Copyright 2002
    218 Pages
    by Routledge

    218 Pages
    by Routledge

    This title was first published in 2002. As Iran enters into the third decade since the 1979 revolution, the prospect of socio-political unrest remains ever present. Iran's political structure, its version of Islamic governance and the role of pluralism across all aspects of Iranian society are being questioned openly and defiantly. What this will mean for the future of Iran's theological system of governance and its current social structure remains to be seen. This work examines the roots of Iran's current unrest in the context of the post-revolutionary social and political structure, and the goals and aspirations of the 1979 revolutionaries. It provides in-depth commentary on contemporary Iranian society and the Islamic movement emerging from Khomeini's interpretation of Islamic governance and gauges the response of Iran to the pragmatic realities of the international system.   Readers in Islamic studies, international studies and Middle Eastern politics both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels will find this book an invaluable tool.

    Contents: Introduction. Muhammad and the Islamic movement; The Islamic movement - in resurgence or in decline?; Revolution in review; Revolution, power and binary opposition; Ideologies of the Iranian revolution: the rise of Khomeinism; A great revolution of the 20th century - the installation of an Islamic theocracy; The election of Khatami - Iran from revolution to Realpolitik; Conclusion - Iran today, edging towards unrest; Glossary I: people, places and organisations in pre- and post- 1979 Iran; Glossary II: terms, dates and expressions; Bibliography; Index.

    Biography

    Downes, Mark

    'This excellent new study examines the Iranian revolution in a new light, and traces modern Iran's search for democratic government, the battles within the ruling establishment and the critical role that other political forces continue to play in the shadows of the governing institutions. It tells a compelling story.' Professor Anoushiravan Ehteshami, University of Durham, UK '...the book contains useful descriptive material pertaining to periods leading to Khomeini's rise to power and the conflicts that arose in the consolidation phase of the revolution (1991-2001).' International Journal of Middle East Studies