Iran Divided: The Historical Roots of Iranian Debates on Identity, Culture, and Governance in the Twenty-First Century

by Shireen T. Hunter

Iranian politics has been marked by sharp ideological divisions and infighting. These divides, kept largely out of public view until the 1990s, came to greater light with the contested 2009 presidential elections. To explain the diverse and complex forces that led to this event and that animate Iran’s current fractured society and polity, author Shireen T. Hunter looks beyond the battle between the forces of reform and reaction, democracy and dictatorship, and considers the historic forces that created the conditions faced by Iran since the revolution.

Iran Divided: The Historic Roots of Iranian Debates on Identity, Culture, and Governance in the 21st Century explains historical and political factors and their relevance to Iran today, shedding light on the forces behind Iranian politics and society. This book discusses:


A comprehensive survey, the book will be an indispensable tool to any student seeking to understand the Islamic Republic of Iran and its standing in the world today.

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Yusuf Panah · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional book about the divisions In Iran and the consequences of reforms and political approaches critically analysed. It is simple, clear and yet incredibly detailed. A must read for people interested in Iranian politics.

[Vafa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and very well documented book. But. the author somehow overlooks the dramatic social changes which have happened in Iran despite the Islamic regime: Iranian families and couples have the same characteristics as in Europe and this sooner and later will translate at the political level. But what the authors makes clear is that the country is a theocracy led by Khamenei and the regime is not wiling/able to evolve in a democracy.