Contesting the Iranian Revolution: The Green Uprisings

by Pouya Alimagham

Most observers of Iran viewed the Green Uprisings of 2009 as a 'failed revolution', with many Iranians and those in neighbouring Arab countries agreeing. In Contesting the Iranian Revolution, however, Pouya Alimagham re-examines this evaluation, deconstructing the conventional win-lose binary interpretations in a way which underscores the subtle but important victories on the ground, and reveals how Iran's modern history imbues those triumphs with consequential meaning. Focusing on the men and women who made this dynamic history, and who exist at the centre of these contentious politics, this 'history from below' brings to the fore the post-Islamist discursive assault on the government's symbols of legitimation. From powerful symbols rooted in Shiʿite Islam, Palestinian liberation, and the Iranian Revolution, Alimagham harnesses the wider history of Iran and the Middle East to highlight how activists contested the Islamic Republic's legitimacy to its very core.

Genres: Iran

364 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2020

Reviews

[Fernando]

The author's thesis is that the Green Movement took the symbols (ideology, history, speech, slogans, imagery) of the Islamic Revolution and subverted them to attack the Iranian state. Hence its relevance, despite failing in overturn the contested election or change the government/state.

There can be some of that going on, but this book doesn't sustain it satisfactorily. You will find a lot of over-reading, stretching arguments, casuistic evidence, and even a bit of Orientalism. Chapters 4 (on Palestine) and 5 (On Montazeri and Ashura) read more like filler content instead of context. By the enthusiasm for the Green Movement transpiring this text one would think it was written in 2009, yet it's from 2020.

[ash estep · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crisp, detailed, well written history.

[Imaduddin Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives an appreciation for why it is important for foreign powers wanting progressive outcomes in Iran not to intervene in Iran's politics

The author's personal disclosures in the footnotes enable him to present a history narrated coloured with feeling, and one that is highly accessible to a lay audience that knows not the first thing about Iran's Green Revolution.

The book illuminates the high degree of engagement and scepticism towards the government among Iran's urban and internet connected population. It highlights how even former leaders feel that the Khomeini government and its successors have betrayed the underlying principles of the 1978-79 revolution.

The author also acknowledges the popular support that the government enjoys.

Unique is the rich tapestry of slogans and political, religious and historical symbols which, as a Farsi speaker with a political Iranian heritage, the author ably exposes us to.

[Shayda Nassirian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible! Pouya Alimagham does a great job of making sure this book does not read like a dry history textbook. His thorough research, unquestionable expertise and clear passion for the subject matter really show as he explains Iranian history in a dynamic and interesting way. I could barely put my copy down! I thoroughly enjoyed the way he detailed significant events from Iran’s history to highlight their modern day relevance to the Green Uprisings of 2009. Iran has a rich history rooted in resistance and the Green Movement was no different. Alimagham takes the time to explain the history, symbolism and significance of each state holiday subverted by the Green Movement activists to not only contest the results of the 2009 election but to contest the legitimacy of Islamic Republic itself. Protip: do not forget to read the footnotes! They are filled with interesting facts and some fascinating personal anecdotes from Alimagham’s years of research on the subject matter.

[Abhishek Sengupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it as a read if one loves understanding the intricacies of culture, history and social evolution. Iran, as a country, always fascinates. Of course it has the delicious cuisine involved but also the history and demographic evolution over the centuries. My knowledge is limited but I love reading and this book is a very well written and thoughtful analysis of not only the revolutions but also the culture. I have learnt a lot from Pouya’s analysis. What I loved most is how the Iranian people turned the state symbols and beliefs into expressions of discontent and protest against the very system.
It is amazing to realize that how we often underestimate the power of people across the borders.