Iranian History and Politics: State and Society in Perpetual Conflict (Routledge Curzon Bips Persian Studies Series)

This book contains the most detailed and comprehensive statement of Homa Katouzian's theory of arbitrary state and society in Iran, and its applications to Iranian history and politics, both modern and traditional. Every chapter is a study of its own specific topics while being firmly a part of the whole argument. The discussions include close comparisons with the history of Europe to demonstrate the diversities of the logic and sociology of Iranian history from their European counterparts. Being the first modern theory of Iranian history, it is highly regarded by Iranian historians and social scientists, especially as it has helped to resolve many of the anomalies resulting from the application of traditional theories. This Book Is The First Modern Theory Of Iranian History. It Explains Iran's History And Politics - Past, Recent And Present - And Solves Many Of The Puzzles That Both Lay And Professional Observers Have Long Felt About Them. For Example, It Shows Why There Was A Revolution In 1905-1906 For Democracy And Modernisation, And One In 1977-1979 For An Islamic Republic (or Communist State). Or Why Many Of The Iranians Who, In 1979, Angrily Supported The Occupation And Hostage-taking Of American Diplomats In Tehran, Are Now Emotionally Pro-american And Wish That The United States Would Help Them Directly In Changing Iran's Regime. The Book Offers A Completely New And Alternative Approach To The Understanding Of Iranian History, Politics And Society, And Its Consequences For Political Action And Behaviour In That Country.--jacket. The Theory Of Arbitrary Rule: Status And Implications -- Towards A General Theory Of Iranian Revolutions -- Arbitrary Rule: A Comparative Theory Of State, Politics And Society In Iran -- The Aridisolatic Society: A Model Of Long-term Social And Economic Development In Iran -- European Liberalisms And Modern Concepts Of Liberty In Iran -- Problems Of Democracy And The Public Sphere In Modern Iran -- Problems Of Political Development In Iran: Democracy, Dictatorship Or Arbitrary Government -- Liberty And Licence In The Constitutional Revolution Of Iran -- The Campaign Against The Anglo-iranian Agreement Of 1919 -- The Revolt Of Shaikh Mohammed Khiyabani -- Iran's Fiscal History And The Nature Of State And Society In Iran -- The Execution Of Amir Hasank The Vazir: Some Lessons For The Historical Sociology Of Iran. Homa Katouzian. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Annotation. "This book is the first modern theory of Iranian history. It explains Iran's history and politics - past, recent and present - and solves many of the puzzles that both lay and professional observers have long felt about them. For example, it shows why there was a revolution in 1905-1906 for democracy and modernisation, and one in 1977-1979 for an Islamic republic (or communist state). Or why many of the Iranians who, in 1979, angrily supported the occupation and hostage-taking of American diplomats in Tehran, are now emotionally pro-American and wish that the United States would help them directly in changing Iran's regime." "The book offers a completely new and alternative approach to the understanding of Iranian history, politics and society, and its consequences for political action and behaviour in that country."--BOOK JACKET. Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved