Earlier chapters presented an analysis of the material forces underpinning the contemporary Iranian political economy. This chapter describe the nation’s ideological and political superstructure, and relate the uses made of religion and its development in response to economic, political and social developments historically.
This chapter will trace the inception of the Islamic Republic and the evolution of the post-revolutionary Iranian state. In doing this, I will examine the underlying causes of the development of what may be called a ‘hybrid’ system, combining elements of democracy, totalitarianism and authoritarianism, which developed after the Revolution (Abrahamian, 2008). This system emerged at the end of the secular regime of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, replacing it with a theocratic regime, in a process in which a mass revolutionary movement played a crucial role. The confusion over the nature of this system has continued to puzzle academics and political analysts; indeed, it is the only model of theocratic government in the world today that resembles a traditional theocracy. While ‘totalitarian’ governments are said to claim absolute power in public life, authoritarian governments tend to allow a limited degree of pluralism, which can be compatible with elections. The founding leader of the Iranian Revolution, khomeini, was explicit in suggesting that in his ideal state, power would reside with the ulama. In the absence of the Prophet and his cousin, Ali ibn Abi Talib (who ruled 656–661), whom Shi’ites consider to be the first Imam, the effective government of the fourth Caliphate, the ulama, should lead the community.
In many respects, the nation’s development has been driven by both revolutionary ideals and the Islamic Republic’s pursuit of its survival through recourse to pragmatism in national, regional and international contexts.
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