Iran: A Very Short Introduction
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Author Description
Iran has rarely been out of the headlines. Yet media interest and extensive coverage has tended to hinder rather than help our understanding of Iran as an idea, an identity, and a people, leading to a superficial understanding of what is a complex and nuanced political culture and civilization. This Very Short Introduction presents a radical reinterpretation of Iranian history and politics, placing the Islamic Revolution in the context of a century of political change and social transformation. By considering the various factors that have contributed towards the construction of the idea of Iran and the complex identity of Iranians themselves, Ali Ansari steers a clear path towards a more realistic understanding for us all. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This book investigates the core question of how the modern Iranian state and identity were constructed amidst a century of profound political and social transformation. Ali Ansari, a professor of Iranian history and director of the Institute for Iranian Studies at the University of St Andrews, utilizes his extensive academic background to challenge superficial media narratives. He presents a framework that contextualizes the Islamic Revolution not as an isolated event, but as a logical progression within a long-standing, complex political civilization.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- A historical analysis of Iranian political development from the early 20th century to the present.
- An examination of the cultural and intellectual factors that define the 'idea of Iran.'
- A critical look at the intersection of national identity and religious governance.
Scope Limits
- The text does not provide a comprehensive day-to-day chronicle of every political event in Iranian history.
- It does not offer a detailed policy manual for current diplomatic relations.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts and academics frequently cite this work as a concise, high-level synthesis suitable for students and general readers seeking to move beyond mainstream media headlines. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which manages to condense complex historical arguments into a highly accessible format.
Page Count:
144
Publication Date:
2014-01-01
Publisher:
OUP Oxford
ISBN-10:
019164806X
ISBN-13:
9780191648069
Non-Fiction
History
Iran
Middle Eastern
International relations
