Modern Iran Since 1921: The Pahlavis and After

by Ali M. Ansari

Straddled between the world's two major energy basins, the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea, and possessing a rich reservoir of hydrocarbon resources as well as diverse minerals, Iran has always been economically significant. The Islamic Revolution thrust the country back onto the political centre-stage, and dramatically altered relations between Iran and the West.This book looks at these developments within an historical context. It charts how Iran sought to respond to the challenge of the West through reform and revolution, and to reverse the deline of the previous century with an ambitious programme of development. Combining detailed historical narrative with comprehensive analysis and explanation, Ali Ansari presents a new interpretation of the complex cultural polity that is modern Iran.

Genres: Iran, History, Middle East, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published April 13, 2003

About the author

Ali Massoud Ansari is professor of Modern History at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. He is the founder of the Institute of Iranian Studies.

Reviews

[Noah Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic intro to modern Iranian history. Meticulously researched and surprisingly readable for a university publication.

[Roy McCullough · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have preferred a more substantive discussion of the 1978/1979 Revolution and the impact of the Iran-Iraq War of 1980-1988 (both subjects are shoehorned into the final chapter) but, to be fair, that is not the book the author set out to write. A fine read.

[Ellis Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful read that provided well-rounded context to the lectures I received during the time period that this book was read.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dislike his style, and I find him rather biased. Informative nonetheless.