Tribal Politics in Iran: Rural Conflict and the New State, 1921-1941

by Stephanie Cronin

Placing Iran's 'tribal problem' in its historical context, Tribal Politics in Iran provides an overall assessment on the impact of this crucial period on the character of tribe-state relations in Iran to the end of Pahlavi rule and in the Islamic Republic. It analyzes the political and socio-economic factors undermining tribal politics under the regime of Reza Shah, and examines the division which took place regarding the 'tribal problem'. The author argues that on the one hand, it lead to modern ethnic nationalism and on the other, detribalization and absorption into wider class or ideology-based organizations happened. Looking particularly at the land reform of the early 1960s, and the revolution of 1979, Cronin also discusses the final disappearance of the khans as a political force and the rise of a new tribal leadership loyal to and dependent upon the regime. This innovative and important work challenges conventional political and scholarly approaches to tribal politics.

Genres: Iran

260 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Brian Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm very impressed with Cronin's careful, open-minded research. Her detailed examination of how modernizing Iran dealt with it's nomadic and tribal minorities challenges our still-prevailing assumptions about the requirements for progress, development, legality, patriotism, and citizenship.

[Leila Gharavi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Among all the scholars whose projects are defined around “the History of Iran”, Cronin has a perfect taste in choosing the most delicate, yet complex issues. “Tribal Politics” is a well-designed title for this book, where Cronin has thoroughly discussed the tribal conflicts in Reza Shah’s period (1921-1941), using important historical facts. Studying Iranian reforms and revolutions in the past century requires a better understanding of Iranian society and its sociopolitical economy. Fortunately, Cronin, by choosing the best sociological focal point in this era, has accurately depicted the whole picture in her book.