iran. sovereignty, authority, and power ► existed sovereignly early on as the achemenian empire...

IranIran

Sovereignty, Authority, and Sovereignty, Authority, and PowerPower

► Existed sovereignly early on as the Existed sovereignly early on as the Achemenian Empire (called Persia by rival Achemenian Empire (called Persia by rival Greece)Greece) Centralized military leadershipCentralized military leadership Set the stage for “West vs. East” themes in Set the stage for “West vs. East” themes in

historyhistory Alexander the Great conquered both, but left Alexander the Great conquered both, but left

Persian political structure in placePersian political structure in place Kings acceded to the throne based on heredityKings acceded to the throne based on heredity State sponsored religion - ZoroastrianismState sponsored religion - Zoroastrianism


► Importance of ShiismImportance of Shiism Invaded by Arabs regularly from 7Invaded by Arabs regularly from 7thth through 16 through 16thth

centuries, bringing Islam to the regioncenturies, bringing Islam to the region Religion became the “glue” holding Persians Religion became the “glue” holding Persians

togethertogether Shia/Sunni Divide (7Shia/Sunni Divide (7thth Century) Century)

►Muhammad died without designating an heirMuhammad died without designating an heir►Sunnis wanted the caliph to succeed (Caliphs were heads Sunnis wanted the caliph to succeed (Caliphs were heads

of the designated leadership, called the Sunni)of the designated leadership, called the Sunni)►Shiites wanted a hereditary heir of Muhammad to succeed Shiites wanted a hereditary heir of Muhammad to succeed

(Muhammad’s son-in-law, Ali)(Muhammad’s son-in-law, Ali)►Ali was killed, Shia became a minority, believing heirs of Ali was killed, Shia became a minority, believing heirs of

Ali (imams) were the true carriers of IslamAli (imams) were the true carriers of Islam 1212thth Decendent disappeared as a child, leading to the legend Decendent disappeared as a child, leading to the legend

of a “Hidden Imam” – will return to establish Islamic rule of a “Hidden Imam” – will return to establish Islamic rule againagain


► The Safavids (1501-1722)The Safavids (1501-1722) Forcibly converted subjects to Shi’ism with their Forcibly converted subjects to Shi’ism with their

Turkic alliesTurkic allies Reconstituted ancient title of “shah-in-shah” Reconstituted ancient title of “shah-in-shah”

(king of kings)(king of kings) 90% of subjects were converted by 1650’s. 90% of subjects were converted by 1650’s.

Small communities of Jews, Zoroastrians and Small communities of Jews, Zoroastrians and Christians remainedChristians remained►Known as “People of the Book” had to pay special taxesKnown as “People of the Book” had to pay special taxes

Governed using Persian scribes, tribal chiefs, Governed using Persian scribes, tribal chiefs, landowners, religious leaders, merchants and landowners, religious leaders, merchants and guilds (much like a feudal system)guilds (much like a feudal system)


► The Qajars (1794-1925)The Qajars (1794-1925) Reconquered area by 1794Reconquered area by 1794 Moved capital to TehranMoved capital to Tehran Declared Shi’ism the State religionDeclared Shi’ism the State religion Time of the “Great Game”Time of the “Great Game”

►England and Russian Empires fought for supremacy of England and Russian Empires fought for supremacy of Central Asia (Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan)Central Asia (Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan)

►Qajars allowed European Empires to gain monopoliesQajars allowed European Empires to gain monopolies

Revolution of 1905-06Revolution of 1905-06►14,000 took to streets14,000 took to streets►Creation of constitution (elections, separation of Creation of constitution (elections, separation of

powers, legislature (Majles)powers, legislature (Majles)►Debate on if Islam was compatible with Debate on if Islam was compatible with

DemocracyDemocracy


►Constitution of 1906Constitution of 1906 Direct elections of a legislature Direct elections of a legislature

(Majles)(Majles) Bill of Rights guaranteeing equality Bill of Rights guaranteeing equality

under the law, criminal protections, under the law, criminal protections, freedom of expressionfreedom of expression

Shi’ism still the state religion, with a Shi’ism still the state religion, with a Guardian Council of clerics that could Guardian Council of clerics that could veto any legislation of the Majlesveto any legislation of the Majles

Sovereignty, Authority and Sovereignty, Authority and PowerPower

►The Pahlavis (1925-1979)The Pahlavis (1925-1979) Colonel Reza Khan carried out a coup d’etat against the Colonel Reza Khan carried out a coup d’etat against the

state in 1921, becoming shah in 1925state in 1921, becoming shah in 1925 Reduced power of MajlesReduced power of Majles Turned over power to son, Muhammad Reza Shah in 1941Turned over power to son, Muhammad Reza Shah in 1941 Iran became a rentier state, collecting payments from Iran became a rentier state, collecting payments from

Western countries for oil drilling rightsWestern countries for oil drilling rights► Importance: government doesn’t need to collect taxes Importance: government doesn’t need to collect taxes

to fund activities, thus, doesn’t need the people!to fund activities, thus, doesn’t need the people!

Sovereignty, Authority and Sovereignty, Authority and PowerPower New shah had to contend with:New shah had to contend with:

►Free press; elections, cabinet members and Free press; elections, cabinet members and communist Tudeh (masses) Party and National Front communist Tudeh (masses) Party and National Front led by Muhammad Mosaddeqled by Muhammad Mosaddeq

1951 – Dr. Muhammad Mosaddeq elected Prime Minister1951 – Dr. Muhammad Mosaddeq elected Prime Minister►Oil industry nationalizedOil industry nationalized

1953 – coup financed by CIA and shah reinstated with 1953 – coup financed by CIA and shah reinstated with absolute powerabsolute power►Muhammad Reza Shah seemed to rule a puppet stateMuhammad Reza Shah seemed to rule a puppet state

►Power rested in Military, bureaucracy and patronage Power rested in Military, bureaucracy and patronage systemsystem

►1979 – 51979 – 5thth largest army in the world, largest navy in largest army in the world, largest navy in Persian gulf, largest air force in western AsiaPersian gulf, largest air force in western Asia

Political and Economic Political and Economic ChangeChange The Pahlavis (1925-1979)The Pahlavis (1925-1979)

►White Revolution (1963)White Revolution (1963) Attempt to remove “red” (communist) influencesAttempt to remove “red” (communist) influences Land reform – government bought unused land, sold it Land reform – government bought unused land, sold it

to small farmers at low pricesto small farmers at low prices Extended voting rights to women, restricted polygamy, Extended voting rights to women, restricted polygamy,

allowed women to work outside the homeallowed women to work outside the home►The Resurgence Party and “Pahlavi Foundation” (1970s)The Resurgence Party and “Pahlavi Foundation” (1970s)

Shah disbanded other parties, declared Iran a one-party Shah disbanded other parties, declared Iran a one-party statestate

Replaced the Islamic calendar, and called himself Replaced the Islamic calendar, and called himself “Guide to the New Great Civilization” and “Light of the “Guide to the New Great Civilization” and “Light of the Aryans”Aryans”

Created a religious corps to teach peasants “true Created a religious corps to teach peasants “true Islam”Islam”

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini

Supreme Leader of Iran, 1979-1989

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Supreme Leader of Iran, 1989-Present

Muhammad Khatami

President of Iran, 1997-2005

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

President of Iran, 2005 - 2013

Hassan RouhaniHassan Rouhani

Assembly of Assembly of Experts 1999-Experts 1999-2013; Expediency 2013; Expediency Council 1991-Council 1991-2013; Supreme 2013; Supreme National Security National Security Council 1989-Council 1989-2013; President of 2013; President of Iran 2013-PresentIran 2013-Present

Colonel Reza Khan, a.k.a. Reza Shah Pahlavi

Shah, 1925-1941

Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi

Shah, 1941-1979

Political and Economic Political and Economic ChangeChange Islamic Revolution and the Republic Islamic Revolution and the Republic

(1979-Present)(1979-Present)►Religiously motivated, resulted in a theocratic Religiously motivated, resulted in a theocratic

statestate►Underlying causes:Underlying causes:

Shah behaving as a totalitarian, not just Shah behaving as a totalitarian, not just authoritarianauthoritarian

Shah secularized Iran too quickly against the will of Shah secularized Iran too quickly against the will of the clergythe clergy

Ties to the West offended nationalists and clergyTies to the West offended nationalists and clergy Charismatic leader – Ayatollah Ruhollah KhomeiniCharismatic leader – Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini Quick drop in oil prices combined with high inflation Quick drop in oil prices combined with high inflation

in Iranin Iran

Political and Economic Political and Economic ChangeChange Islamic Revolution and the Republic Islamic Revolution and the Republic

(1979-Present)(1979-Present)►National referendum in April 1979 voted to National referendum in April 1979 voted to

end the monarchy and establish an Islamic end the monarchy and establish an Islamic RepublicRepublic

►Assembly of Religious Experts (clerics directly Assembly of Religious Experts (clerics directly elected by the people) chosen to draft a elected by the people) chosen to draft a ConstitutionConstitution

Approved in a plebiscite by 99% of votersApproved in a plebiscite by 99% of voters►Cultural Revolution – purify the country of Cultural Revolution – purify the country of

secular and Western values and behaviorssecular and Western values and behaviors Removed many professors from universitiesRemoved many professors from universities Executions in the name of “revolutionary justice”Executions in the name of “revolutionary justice”

The Shah asked Iraq to deport Khomeini, so they sent him to Paris. Khomeini now had better access to the media and telecommunications.

2 million demonstrators strike and take to the streets of Tehran in response to the Shah’s ban on public demonstrations in 1978.

Political and Economic Political and Economic ChangeChange

►One Theory on the Cause of the One Theory on the Cause of the RevolutionRevolution

►Davies J-Curve of Revolution – Theory of Davies J-Curve of Revolution – Theory of Rising ExpectationsRising Expectations As people’s standard of living rises, their As people’s standard of living rises, their

expectation for future growth rises as wellexpectation for future growth rises as well The gap between their expectations and The gap between their expectations and

reality can be tolerable, but become reality can be tolerable, but become “intolerable” if actual standard of living “intolerable” if actual standard of living dropsdrops

Political and Economic Political and Economic ChangeChange►Why was Khomeini’s revolution Why was Khomeini’s revolution

successful?successful? Explain.Explain.

Political and Economic Political and Economic ChangeChange►Post-Khomeini (1989-Present)Post-Khomeini (1989-Present)

Cementing of the powers of the clericsCementing of the powers of the clerics►Rebound in oil prices, improved economy Rebound in oil prices, improved economy

(government aid for housing and medical clinics)(government aid for housing and medical clinics)►Invasion of Iraq in 1980-1989, people rallied Invasion of Iraq in 1980-1989, people rallied

behind governmentbehind government►Khomeini’s charismatic authorityKhomeini’s charismatic authority

Succession of Ali KhameneiSuccession of Ali Khamenei►Lacked charisma, academic credentials of Lacked charisma, academic credentials of

KhomeiniKhomeini►Drop in world oil pricesDrop in world oil prices►Subsequent decades of conflict between Subsequent decades of conflict between

reformists and conservativesreformists and conservatives

Political EconomyPolitical Economy►What are What are

the the geopolitical geopolitical implications implications of these of these maps/chartsmaps/charts??

►Compare the two graphs. What does Compare the two graphs. What does this tell us of Iran and OPEC?this tell us of Iran and OPEC?

Iran TodayIran Today

►While viewing today’s documentary:While viewing today’s documentary: Describe evidence of the Iranian RegimeDescribe evidence of the Iranian Regime How is Iran connected to its past?How is Iran connected to its past? How is it a modern society?How is it a modern society? Did this challenge your pre-existing view Did this challenge your pre-existing view

of Iran? Explain why/why not.of Iran? Explain why/why not.

State InstitutionsState Institutions► Political system fuses theocracy and Political system fuses theocracy and

democracy in a unitary statedemocracy in a unitary state► Theocratic Institutions:Theocratic Institutions:

Supreme LeaderSupreme Leader Guardian CouncilGuardian Council Expediency CouncilExpediency Council

►Democratic Institutions:Democratic Institutions: Assembly of Religious ExpertsAssembly of Religious Experts MajlesMajles PresidentPresident

State InstitutionsState Institutions► Supreme Leader Supreme Leader “The Leader”“The Leader”

Chosen by Assembly of Religious Experts (only tested Chosen by Assembly of Religious Experts (only tested once, in 1989)once, in 1989)

PowersPowers► Eliminate presidential candidatesEliminate presidential candidates► Dismissal of the presidentDismissal of the president► Commander of the armed forcesCommander of the armed forces► Declares war and peaceDeclares war and peace► Appoints many administrators and judgesAppoints many administrators and judges► Nominates up to 6 members to Guardian CouncilNominates up to 6 members to Guardian Council► Appoints heads of other agencies, like broadcastersAppoints heads of other agencies, like broadcasters

Head of State with real powerHead of State with real power

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Supreme Leader of Iran, 1989-Present

State InstitutionsState Institutions►Guardian CouncilGuardian Council

12 male clerics12 male clerics►6 appointed by Supreme Leader6 appointed by Supreme Leader►6 nominated by Chief Judge, approved by 6 nominated by Chief Judge, approved by

MajlesMajles

Review bills passed by Majles to ensure Review bills passed by Majles to ensure they comply with the shariathey comply with the sharia

May disqualify candidates for election as May disqualify candidates for election as part of their jurist guardianship (along part of their jurist guardianship (along with Supreme Leader)with Supreme Leader)

State InstitutionsState Institutions► Expediency CouncilExpediency Council

Created by Khomeini to referee disputes between Created by Khomeini to referee disputes between Guardian Council and MajlesGuardian Council and Majles

Started smaller, has grown to 32 membersStarted smaller, has grown to 32 members Has gained the power to originate legislationHas gained the power to originate legislation Collection of the most powerful men in Iran, including:Collection of the most powerful men in Iran, including:

►High ranking clericsHigh ranking clerics►PresidentPresident►Chief JudgeChief Judge►Speaker of MajlesSpeaker of Majles►Members of the Guardian CouncilMembers of the Guardian Council►Heads of religious foundationsHeads of religious foundations►Heads of Central Bank, National Oil, Atomic Energy CommissionHeads of Central Bank, National Oil, Atomic Energy Commission

Also headed by RafsanjaniAlso headed by Rafsanjani

State InstitutionsState Institutions►Assembly of Religious ExpertsAssembly of Religious Experts

86 men elected by the people every 4 years86 men elected by the people every 4 years Used to only allow clerics, but requirement Used to only allow clerics, but requirement

eliminated in 1998eliminated in 1998►Candidates may still be rejected by Guardian Candidates may still be rejected by Guardian

CouncilCouncil With Supreme Leader and Guardian Council, With Supreme Leader and Guardian Council,

in charge of constitutional interpretationin charge of constitutional interpretation Choose a successor to the Supreme Leader, Choose a successor to the Supreme Leader,

and may remove him as welland may remove him as well Chairman is currently Hashemi RafsanjaniChairman is currently Hashemi Rafsanjani

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

President of Iran, 1989-1997

Chairman of the Expediency Council, 1988-Present

Chairman of the Assembly of Experts, 2007-Present

Pragmatic conservative, tense relationship with Ahmadinejad

State InstitutionsState Institutions► President and CabinetPresident and Cabinet

Head of governmentHead of government Elected every 4 years by voters, may serve 2 termsElected every 4 years by voters, may serve 2 terms Constitution requires him to be a “pious Shiite”Constitution requires him to be a “pious Shiite” PowersPowers

►Devise the budgetDevise the budget► ““Supervise” economic mattersSupervise” economic matters►Propose legislation to the MajlesPropose legislation to the Majles►Executing the law/policiesExecuting the law/policies►Signs treaties and lawsSigns treaties and laws►Chairs the National Security CouncilChairs the National Security Council►Appoints cabinet (18 ministers) and other provincial Appoints cabinet (18 ministers) and other provincial

officialsofficials

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

President of Iran, 2005 - 2013

Hassan RouhaniHassan Rouhani

Assembly of Assembly of Experts 1999-Experts 1999-2013; Expediency 2013; Expediency Council 1991-Council 1991-2013; Supreme 2013; Supreme National Security National Security Council 1989-Council 1989-2013; President of 2013; President of Iran 2013-PresentIran 2013-Present

State InstitutionsState Institutions►BureaucracyBureaucracy

Expanded rapidly to create places for college Expanded rapidly to create places for college graduates to work (size doubled since 1979)graduates to work (size doubled since 1979)

Examples of new ministries:Examples of new ministries:►Culture and Islamic Guidance – censures the mediaCulture and Islamic Guidance – censures the media►Intelligence – chief security organizationIntelligence – chief security organization►Heavy Industry – manages nationalized factoriesHeavy Industry – manages nationalized factories►Reconstruction – spreads Islam to the countrysideReconstruction – spreads Islam to the countryside

Dominated by clergy and their relativesDominated by clergy and their relatives

State InstitutionsState Institutions►Semi-Public Institutions (Foundations)Semi-Public Institutions (Foundations)

““Autonomous”, but run by appointees of Autonomous”, but run by appointees of the Supreme Leaderthe Supreme Leader

Tax exempt, though they bring in HUGE Tax exempt, though they bring in HUGE amounts of moneyamounts of money

Own property confiscated from pre-1979 Own property confiscated from pre-1979 eliteelite

Use wealth to do “charitable work” to Use wealth to do “charitable work” to build regime supportbuild regime support

State InstitutionsState Institutions►MilitaryMilitary

Revolutionary Guard – created by Revolutionary Guard – created by Khomeini to counter the Shah’s existing Khomeini to counter the Shah’s existing regular army, navy, and air forceregular army, navy, and air force►Strong political influence, increasingly Strong political influence, increasingly

independentindependent

Army defends the borders, Revolutionary Army defends the borders, Revolutionary Guard protects the Islamic RepublicGuard protects the Islamic Republic

All commanded by Supreme Leader, who All commanded by Supreme Leader, who appoints top commandersappoints top commanders

88thth largest military in the world largest military in the world

State InstitutionsState Institutions► JudiciaryJudiciary

Chief Judge appointed by Chief Judge appointed by The LeaderThe Leader Types of law in IranTypes of law in Iran

►Sharia – Islamic law, supersedes all other laws, chiefly Sharia – Islamic law, supersedes all other laws, chiefly interpreted by Supreme Leaderinterpreted by Supreme Leader

►Qanun – No sacred basis, just statutes made by legislative Qanun – No sacred basis, just statutes made by legislative bodies (Majles, for example)bodies (Majles, for example)

Must not contradict shariaMust not contradict sharia

No judicial review – legal authority is not in the No judicial review – legal authority is not in the constitution, but in interpretation of shariaconstitution, but in interpretation of sharia

Appeals system is in place, but Khomeini argued Appeals system is in place, but Khomeini argued spirit of sharia was for local judges to make final spirit of sharia was for local judges to make final decisions in most casesdecisions in most cases

Sharia dictates harsh punishments (death) for a Sharia dictates harsh punishments (death) for a wide variety of “crimes”, but Islamic Republic has wide variety of “crimes”, but Islamic Republic has softened the use of these over the yearssoftened the use of these over the years

State InstitutionsState Institutions► Legislature – The MajlesLegislature – The Majles

Unicameral, though the Assembly of Religious Unicameral, though the Assembly of Religious Experts seems to function as an upper houseExperts seems to function as an upper house

290 seats directly elected by the people in 290 seats directly elected by the people in electionselections

PowersPowers►Pass laws with approval of Guardian CouncilPass laws with approval of Guardian Council► Interpret legislation, without contradiction of judiciaryInterpret legislation, without contradiction of judiciary►Approve 6 members to Guardian Council nominated by Approve 6 members to Guardian Council nominated by

Chief JudgeChief Judge► Investigate misconduct of bureaucracy and judiciaryInvestigate misconduct of bureaucracy and judiciary►Remove cabinet officials (not the president)Remove cabinet officials (not the president)►Approve the budget, cabinet, treaties, and loansApprove the budget, cabinet, treaties, and loans

After reformist success in 2000 election, Guardian After reformist success in 2000 election, Guardian Council banned most reformists from running in Council banned most reformists from running in 20042004

18 ministers – M. of Intelligence must be clergy

Appointed byLeader

32 Appointed byLeader

2901286

47 million eligible to vote of 70 million citizens

6 chosen byThe Leader

Linkage InstitutionsLinkage Institutions► ElectionsElections

Suffrage for all over Suffrage for all over 18 to vote for 18 to vote for president, Majles, and president, Majles, and Assembly of ExpertsAssembly of Experts►Majles is a first-past-Majles is a first-past-

the-post plurality the-post plurality systemsystem

►Presidential is a 2-Presidential is a 2-round majority systemround majority system

Linkage InstitutionsLinkage Institutions► Interest GroupsInterest Groups

Tough to draw the Tough to draw the line between these line between these and parties in Iranand parties in Iran

Labor is organized, Labor is organized, but business is not, but business is not, given that given that government controls government controls 65-80% of the 65-80% of the economyeconomy

Linkage InstitutionsLinkage Institutions►Mass MediaMass Media

1981 Majles passed a law making it a 1981 Majles passed a law making it a crime to use “pen and speech” against crime to use “pen and speech” against the governmentthe government

Restrictions lifted from time to time, but Restrictions lifted from time to time, but re-imposed when demonstrations pose a re-imposed when demonstrations pose a problem to the regimeproblem to the regime

Government owns radio and television Government owns radio and television broadcasting, but newspapers and broadcasting, but newspapers and magazines are typically privately ownedmagazines are typically privately owned

Citizens, Society, and the Citizens, Society, and the StateState

►CleavagesCleavages ReligionReligion

►Almost 90% Shia, 10% Sunni, around 1% Almost 90% Shia, 10% Sunni, around 1% either Jewish, Christian or Zoroastrianeither Jewish, Christian or Zoroastrian

►Constitution of 1979 recognizes and respects Constitution of 1979 recognizes and respects the rights of religious minorities, though Jews, the rights of religious minorities, though Jews, Christians, and Baha’i are often persecutedChristians, and Baha’i are often persecuted

►Constitution does not mention SunnisConstitution does not mention Sunnis

Persian Arab

KurdishAzeri


►CleavagesCleavages EthnicityEthnicity

►51% Persian, speaking Persian (Farsi)51% Persian, speaking Persian (Farsi)►24% Azeri, concentrated in the Northwest24% Azeri, concentrated in the Northwest

Shi’ia, but don’t speak Farsi (Khamenei is Azeri)Shi’ia, but don’t speak Farsi (Khamenei is Azeri) Fear of Iranian government that they may want to Fear of Iranian government that they may want to

unite with Azerbaijanunite with Azerbaijan

►7% Kurdish, 3% Arab (both Sunnis)7% Kurdish, 3% Arab (both Sunnis)

Political ParticipationPolitical Participation►Post 1979 – many newspapers, labor Post 1979 – many newspapers, labor

unions, private organizations, and political unions, private organizations, and political parties forced to closeparties forced to close

►Protests and DemonstrationsProtests and Demonstrations Banned, but still occur regularly in cities and Banned, but still occur regularly in cities and

universitiesuniversities Most economic in nature, but 2009 (Most economic in nature, but 2009 (Green Green

RevolutionRevolution) election led to calls for ) election led to calls for democratizationdemocratization

►Most political opposition groups are in exileMost political opposition groups are in exile

Political ParticipationPolitical Participation► 28 voting constituencies28 voting constituencies► Candidates submit names to subcommittee of the Candidates submit names to subcommittee of the

Guardian CouncilGuardian Council 2004 – 8,157 running for the 290 seats of the 72004 – 8,157 running for the 290 seats of the 7thth

MajlisMajlis► Election campaign one week long (can hand out Election campaign one week long (can hand out

paper 4”X6”paper 4”X6”

Political ParticipationPolitical Participation► Candidates with 25%+ declared winner; 2Candidates with 25%+ declared winner; 2ndnd round round

held months later for other seats (3/4 of 2004 held months later for other seats (3/4 of 2004 election decided by 1election decided by 1stst round) round)

► Elections are nonpartisan – voters see ballot with Elections are nonpartisan – voters see ballot with long list of names without any partisan long list of names without any partisan identificationidentification

► 51% turnout in 2004 (751% turnout in 2004 (7thth Majlis); 2009 Presidential Majlis); 2009 Presidential was 64%was 64%

Iranian ElectionsIranian Elections► Iranian Elections – for your group, date Iranian Elections – for your group, date

the event, give a brief summary of the the event, give a brief summary of the event and bullet 3-4 of the most event and bullet 3-4 of the most important factsimportant facts First MajlesFirst Majles Second MajlesSecond Majles Third, Fourth and Fifth MajlesThird, Fourth and Fifth Majles Sixth MajlesSixth Majles 2005 Presidential Elections2005 Presidential Elections Seventh MajlesSeventh Majles Eighth MajlesEighth Majles 2009 Presidential Elections2009 Presidential Elections

Political ParticipationPolitical Participation► Women and the Political SystemWomen and the Political System

““The Veil” – required in public by regime, The Veil” – required in public by regime, symbolizes oppression to westerners, but not so symbolizes oppression to westerners, but not so much to Iranian womenmuch to Iranian women

2020thth century Iranian women have had better century Iranian women have had better access to education than other Mid-East countriesaccess to education than other Mid-East countries►About half of university students are womenAbout half of university students are women

Law towards women is “equality with difference”Law towards women is “equality with difference”► sharia is interpreted to favor males in divorce and sharia is interpreted to favor males in divorce and

custody disputescustody disputes►cannot leave the country without the consent of male cannot leave the country without the consent of male

relativesrelatives Women are about 33% of the labor forceWomen are about 33% of the labor force Women rarely get elected to the Majles (4.1%)Women rarely get elected to the Majles (4.1%)

Linkage InstitutionsLinkage Institutions►Political PartiesPolitical Parties

Constitution allows them, but government Constitution allows them, but government didn’t until 1997didn’t until 1997

Highly unstable party system, changes Highly unstable party system, changes around personalities, but in the last around personalities, but in the last election:election:►Alliance of Builders of Islamic Iran – Alliance of Builders of Islamic Iran –

Ahmadinejad’s conservative, populist partyAhmadinejad’s conservative, populist party►Green Movement (not an official political party) – Green Movement (not an official political party) –

formed around Mir-Hossein Mousavi (was an formed around Mir-Hossein Mousavi (was an independent candidate) in the aftermath of the independent candidate) in the aftermath of the perceived stolen electionperceived stolen election

►Many other minor competitors in presidential Many other minor competitors in presidential and Majles electionsand Majles elections

Mir-Hossein Mousavi

Candidate for President, 2009

Leader of the Green Movement

Prime Minister of Iran, 1981-1989

Muhammad Khatami

President, 1997-2005

Leader of Iranian Militant Clerics Society, withdrew from race to back Mousavi


► CleavagesCleavages Social classSocial class

►Peasantry and lower middle class support the regime, Peasantry and lower middle class support the regime, having benefited from its programshaving benefited from its programs

►Middle and upper class people tend to be secularized Middle and upper class people tend to be secularized and critical of the clericsand critical of the clerics

Haven’t done well economically since the RevolutionHaven’t done well economically since the Revolution

Reformers vs. ConservativesReformers vs. Conservatives►Reformers want secularization, democracy, open Reformers want secularization, democracy, open

relations with the Westrelations with the West►Conservatives want to preserve the clerical and sharia Conservatives want to preserve the clerical and sharia

regimeregime

Civil SocietyCivil Society► Pre-Revolution – people were dissatisfied Pre-Revolution – people were dissatisfied

with governments intrusion into private lives with governments intrusion into private lives in civil societyin civil society

► Post-Revolution – hasn’t changed much!Post-Revolution – hasn’t changed much! Many professionals leave the countryMany professionals leave the country Exception – “Tehran Spring” under president Exception – “Tehran Spring” under president

Khatami (1997-2005)Khatami (1997-2005)►Cautious political liberalization, loosening of speech and Cautious political liberalization, loosening of speech and

press rights, friendlier stance to Westpress rights, friendlier stance to West►Reversed by Mahmoud AhmadinejadReversed by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

► Iran has a VERY young population!Iran has a VERY young population! Regime encouraged large families in its first Regime encouraged large families in its first

yearsyears►Goods were rationed per capita, making it better to Goods were rationed per capita, making it better to

have more childrenhave more children 60% under 3060% under 30

Other “Stuff” You Should Other “Stuff” You Should KnowKnow

►Divide in Qom – seminary city where Divide in Qom – seminary city where Khomeini began denouncing ShahKhomeini began denouncing Shah Many clerics believe the union of politics Many clerics believe the union of politics

and religion should not occur until the and religion should not occur until the appearance of the 12appearance of the 12thth Imam (and thus Imam (and thus oppose the theocracy)oppose the theocracy)

►““Economics is for donkeys” – quote by Economics is for donkeys” – quote by Khomeini dismissing the importance of Khomeini dismissing the importance of the economy for policymakersthe economy for policymakers

iran. sovereignty, authority, and power ► existed sovereignly early on as the achemenian empire...

Documents

powernew shah

shah king of kings90

muhammad mosaddeq1951

state religiontime

rentier state

largest army

largest navy

persian gulf