Iran

by Ali M. Ansari

Both revolutionary and reactionary, the Islamic Republic of Iran has long been a conundrum for Western observers. A theocracy that aspires to a popular mandate; an anti-colonial state with imperial pretensions of its modern Iran is in many ways a reflection of its struggle to reconcile its traditions with the challenges of modernity.
 
In this incisive book, globally renowned scholar of Iran Ali Ansari takes readers on a journey through the country’s turbulent history. Beginning with Iran’s fall from grace as a Great Power in the late 19th century, he explores its repeated attempts to modernise in a series of revolutionary movements from the Constitutional Revolution of 1906 to the Islamic Revolution of 1979 and the civil unrest that is breaking out today.
 
From staunch ally to implacable foe, this book reveals how the experience of history and Iran’s encounter with ‘modernity’ have come to define it – and set it on an authoritarian path in confrontation with the West and, often, its own people.

160 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2024

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

[Dylan Tynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by design a very brief introduction to the historical developments that have shaped modern Iran. There is, therefore, no simple thesis to state, though Ansari certainly takes stances throughout the book. Some of the major themes include successive governments’ prioritization of economic development over political development and the struggle between those who emphasize the “Republic” half of “Islamic Republic” and those who promote the “Islamic.” The real strength of this book, though, is the measured manner in which is presented from the Iranian perspective. Perhaps no nation’s 20th-century history has become as politically charged as Iran’s, and Ansari is brilliant at telling a measured tale where so many others recount a biased one. It is a great place to begin to understand how Iran got to where it is today.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published last year, this slim volume looks at Iran since the early 20th century. The focus is on the Constitution Revolution, and later efforts both to develop and democratize the country. The author does an excellent job comparing different movements throughout Iranian history. He also does a good job showing the role of foreign influence on Iranians over time. In the later chapters, he is very critical of leaders, both in Iran and in the West, and sometimes this becomes a bit intemperate. However, overall, this is an excellent introduction, and a beautifully written book as well.

[Francesca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great introduction to the most recent history of Iran. I found it quite difficult to follow at times, but I believe it is because the author condensed over a hundred years of history in less than 200 pages, which is not an easy task to achieve.

[Anisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars