Iran, Islam and Democracy: The Politics of Managing Change

by Ali M. Ansari

Current developments in Iran are forcing a fundamental reassessment of the relationship between Islam and democracy and the processes of democratization in the Muslim world. While some scholars have argued that 'Islam' and 'democracy' are essentially incompatible, others have sought to portray the advent of political Islam as a transitional phenomenon to be overcome before democratization can take root. Ansari, in tracing the historical roots of political development in Iran, argues that what is in fact taking place is an intellectual synthesis of ideas drawing from both Western and traditional Iranian norms. The author analyzes the origins and dynamic of this development, and discusses the possible consequences for Iran and the region, as well as Iran's relationship with the wider world.

Genres: Politics, History, Iran

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

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

[Joe Ballschneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated the coverage of the Khatami era and the context of what Iran was before and had become afterwards. A nice gap to fill in for me. As always, lots of parallels to contemporary US society for those who wish to consider them. Same substance, different accidentals.

Ali has many good quips in this as well, such as "His personality and political acumen excepted, Nateq Nuri seemed to have much going for him."