Khatami and Gorbachev: Politics of Change in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the USSR (International Library of Political Studies, Volume 38)

Why is it important to compare the experiences, successes and difficulties of Mohammad Khatami and Mikhail Gorbachev, two leaders operating in very different political environments and cultures? Both men were products of two of the 20th century's most momentous revolutions and both sought to reform from within the contradictions and problems which these revolutions produced. Zhand Shakibi provides the first comparative analysis of Khatami and Gorbachev based on first-hand interviews and previously unpublished sources, revealing the extent of their common goals and predicaments. The importance of this study lies in its demonstration of how similar political features in completely different political environments can produce common political outcomes. This book is a fascinating resource for political scientists, international relations specialists and historians of 20th century politics. The Importance Of This Study Lies In Its Demonstration Of How Similar Political Features In Completely Different Political Environments Can Produce Common Political Outcomes. This Book Is A Fascinating Resource For Political Scientists, International Relations Specialists And Historians Of Twentieth Century Politics. It Also Includes New Analysis Of The 2009 Iranian Elections, Providing Fascinating Insights For Those Who Follow The Unfolding Of The Iranian Political Scene.--jacket. Introduction -- Religion, Empire And Homo Romanovicus/pahlavicus -- Westernisation, Authenticity And Revolution -- Leninism And Khomeinism -- Institutionalised Leninism And Khomeinism -- Khatami-gorbachev : The Human Factor -- The Geo-politics Of Reform -- The Politics Of Glasnost' -- Gorbachev And The Politics Of Change -- Khatami And The Politics Of Change -- Conclusion. Zhand Shakibi. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [360]-385) And Index. "Shi'i Islam has been the official religion of Iran from the Safavids (1501-1732) to the present day. The Shi'i world experience has provided a rich artistic tradition, encompassing painting, sculpture and the production of artefacts and performance, which has helped to embed Shi'i identity in Iran as part of its national narrative. In what areas of material culture has Iranian Shi'ism manifested itself through objects or buildings that are unique within the overall culture of Islam? To what extent is the art and architecture of Iran from the Safavid period onwards identifiably Shi'i? What does this say about the relationship of nation, state and faith in Iran? Here, leading experts trace the material heritage of Iranian Shi'ism within each of its political, religious and cultural dimensions."--Bloomsbury publishing. Contents......Page 6 Preface......Page 8 1. Introduction......Page 10 2. Empire, Religion and Homo Romanovicus/Pahlavicus......Page 32 3. Westernisation, Authenticity and Revolution......Page 57 4. Leninism and Khomeinism......Page 88 5. Institutionalised Leninism and Khomeinism......Page 121 6. Khatami-Gorbachev: The Human Factor......Page 152 7. The Geo-Politics of Reform......Page 195 8. The Politics of Glasnost......Page 230 9. Gorbachev and the Politics of Change......Page 254 10. Khatami and the Politics of Change......Page 301 Conclusion......Page 345 Notes......Page 369 Index......Page 395