Table of Contents

Preface State and Revolution The History of Iranian Political Economy Islam and Revolution in Iran The Struggle for Democracy and the Triumph of Dictatorship (1941-1960) Crisis of the State (1960-1963) Socioeconomic Development of Iran (1963-1977) The Revolution Toward the Creation of a Theocracy State and Theocracy in Iran Bibliography Index

Promotional Information

This study investigates, from a historical persepctive, Iran's political economy, class formation, and transformation from a royal dictatorship to a theocracy. The Shah's role in alientating all levels of society is detailed, and the rise of militant Shi'ite mullahs, in the absence of a nationwide political hierarchy, to leader a suceesssful revolution is carefully analyzed.

About the Author

MOHAMMAD AMJAD is Assistant Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at the College of Saint Rose, Albany, New York.

Reviews

?This book provides a summary history of the political, economic, and social forces which took Iran from a traditional feudal monarchy through a brief stage of capitalism and statism to ultimate revolution and the establishment of an Islamic theocracy.?-Booknotes

?This splendid book offers an insight into why Iran, once assumed to have one of the most stable governments in the Middle East, crumbled so rapidly in 1979. Amjad's study attempts to answer that question by investigating the socioeconomic and political factors that led to the Iranian Revolution and to the transformation of the Iranian state from a royal dictatorship into a theocracy. The author concludes that a combination of factors such as economic mismanagement, failure of agriculture, inflation, decline in oil revenues, and political repression provided favorable conditions for the opposition to organize its forces against the Shah. Thereafter, within a few months after the overthrow of the monarchy, the religious hierarchy with the support of the traditional bourgeoisie and petit bourgeoisie was able to eliminate the liberal bourgeoisie and create a theocracy in Iran. Written in an easy-flowing narrative style, this book is finely produced and makes a valuable contribution for those interested in Iranian studies. Includes a useful glossary, an index, and an up-to-date bibliography. Recommended for senior undergraduate and graduate audiences.?-Choice

"This book provides a summary history of the political, economic, and social forces which took Iran from a traditional feudal monarchy through a brief stage of capitalism and statism to ultimate revolution and the establishment of an Islamic theocracy."-Booknotes

"This splendid book offers an insight into why Iran, once assumed to have one of the most stable governments in the Middle East, crumbled so rapidly in 1979. Amjad's study attempts to answer that question by investigating the socioeconomic and political factors that led to the Iranian Revolution and to the transformation of the Iranian state from a royal dictatorship into a theocracy. The author concludes that a combination of factors such as economic mismanagement, failure of agriculture, inflation, decline in oil revenues, and political repression provided favorable conditions for the opposition to organize its forces against the Shah. Thereafter, within a few months after the overthrow of the monarchy, the religious hierarchy with the support of the traditional bourgeoisie and petit bourgeoisie was able to eliminate the liberal bourgeoisie and create a theocracy in Iran. Written in an easy-flowing narrative style, this book is finely produced and makes a valuable contribution for those interested in Iranian studies. Includes a useful glossary, an index, and an up-to-date bibliography. Recommended for senior undergraduate and graduate audiences."-Choice