Democracy and the Nature of American Influence in Iran, 1941-1979

Collier presents a timely and fresh reexamination of one of the most important bilateral relationships of the last century. He delves deeply into the American desire to promote democracy in Iran from the 1940s through the early 1960s and examines the myriad factors that contributed to their success in exerting a powerful influence on Iranian politics. By creating a framework to understand the efficacy of external pressure, Collier explains how the United States later relinquished this control during the 1960s and 1970s. During this time, the shah emerged as a dominant and effective political operator who took advantage of waning American influence to assert his authority. Collier reveals how this shifting power dynamic transformed the former client-patron relationship into one approaching equality. Introduction : the United states, Iran, and the legacy of democracy Roosevelt and the return of constitutionalism, 1941-1945 A more selfish Iran policy, 1945-1951 Mossadegh and the Anglo-Iranian oil crisis, 1951-1953 The overthrow of democracy, 1953 US policy after Mossadegh, 1954-1960 Kennedy's experiment, 1961-1963 Shah's in charge, 1963-1974 The predictable storm, 1974-1979 Conclusion : thrown to the wind Epilogue : after the shah. Presents a timely and fresh reexamination of one of the most important bilateral relationships of the last century. Collier delves deeply into the American desire to promote democracy in Iran from the 1940s to the early 1960s and examines the myriad factors that contributed to their success in exerting a powerful influence on Iranian politics. Contents Illustrations Abbreviations Introduction Roosevelt and the Return of Constitutionalism, A More Selfish Iran Policy, Mossadegh and the Anglo-Iranian Oil Crisis, The Overthrow of Democracy, US Policy after Mossadegh, Kennedy’s Experiment, Shah’s in Charge, The Predictable Storm, Conclusion Epilogue Notes Bibliography Index