Modern Iran: Reform and Revolution

by Ali M. Ansari

Today’s Iran is rarely out of the headlines. Labelled by George W Bush as a part of his ‘axis of evil’ and perceived as a real nuclear threat by some, Iran is increasingly seen as an enemy of the West. And yet for many Iran remains shrouded in mystery and incomprehensible to Western analysis. Modern Iran offers a comprehensive analysis and explanation of political, social and economic developments in Iran during the 20th century. Since it first published in 2003 Modern Iran has become a staple for students and lecturers wishing to gain a clear understand of the history of this strategically important Middle Eastern Country.
The new edition will bring us up to dateand will an analysis of the successes and failures of the Khatami Presidency; an examination of the effect of 9/11; the rise of the Reform Movement and the efforts to promote Islamic
Democracy; the resistance to democratisation among the hardline elites.

Genres: Iran, History, Middle East, Nonfiction, Politics

392 pages, Paperback

First published April 13, 2003

About the author

Ali Massoud Ansari is professor of Modern History at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. He is the founder of the Institute of Iranian Studies.

Reviews

[Noah Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic intro to modern Iranian history. Meticulously researched and surprisingly readable for a university publication.

[Roy McCullough · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have preferred a more substantive discussion of the 1978/1979 Revolution and the impact of the Iran-Iraq War of 1980-1988 (both subjects are shoehorned into the final chapter) but, to be fair, that is not the book the author set out to write. A fine read.

[Ellis Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful read that provided well-rounded context to the lectures I received during the time period that this book was read.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dislike his style, and I find him rather biased. Informative nonetheless.