Abstract

Iran is now in the eye of the storm. As events in Iraq deteriorate, a US invasion of Iran looms as a real threat.

This book provides a detailed analysis of Iran's recent history, and in particular how the country has been shaped by the 1979 revolution. It is often forgotten that modern Iran is a revolutionary republic that arose out of the overthrow of the old, secular and very pro-western regime. Since the revolution, this has been replaced by an Islamic State.

Maryam Panah explores the Iranian revolution in its international context, and examines the different forces at play within the country, and how these conflicting political interests continue to mould the country today and shape its external relations.
'A new and judiciously argued contribution to the study of the international relations and impact of Iranian revolution. Drawing on a wide ranging literature, Panah argues against prevailing orientalist interpretations of revolutionary Iran ... this book provides an excellent overview of how Iran got to where it is today'
Richard Saull, Department of Politics, Queen Mary, University of London
'In an analysis at once synoptic and brilliant, Panah has produced a major work of re-interpretation ... of revolution in general and of the causes, and consequences, of Islamic fundamentalism'
Professor Fred Halliday, LSE and IBEI (Barcelona), author Iran: Dictatorship and Development
'A well-researched and well-written work that draws convincing theoretical and general conclusions about its subject and will be useful to all interested in modern Iran and its international relations'
Nikki Keddie