Bücher der Reihe Studies in Iranian Politics

This volume extends debates on the interaction between universal human rights and the political experiences of Iranians, through a conceptual analysis of 'theories of change'. It assesses the practical processes by which individuals, organizations and movements can reform or impact the structural, theological and political challenges faced in the Iranian context.Contributors to this volume investigate how structures, institutions, and agents in Iran maneuver for influence and power at the state level, through the law, in international corridors, at the grassroots, and by implementing multiple and complex methods. The chapters provide distinct but interrelated analysis of key drivers of change in Iran. A number of those operate primarily through top-down approaches, such as the political reform movement, lawyers pursuing legislative change, and international human rights monitoring bodies. Others take a bottom-up approach, including local movements and campaigns such as the women's movement, the labor movement, the student movement, and ethnic minority groups.By prompting drivers of change to think about causation, influence, sequencing, prioritization, roles and relationships, a theory of change ultimately makes the work more effective. Through rigorous analysis of these issues for drivers of change in the Islamic State, this volume is an important contribution to human rights in Iran. In an era of escalating tensions in the Middle East, it amplifies voices of reform and freedom, filling a crucial gap in our understanding of this region.

This book offers a critical deconstruction of radicalism as a political category and through this analytical approach seeks to interpret and assess the presidencies of the former Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad.

This book offers a critical deconstruction of radicalism as a political category and through this analytical approach seeks to interpret and assess the presidencies of the former Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad. It contextualizes radicalism within a broader framework of Western-derived political categories, which are too frequently used to simplify the complexities of Iran's domestic political landscape, generally reducing any comprehensive and objective understanding of Iranian politics. Since the term radicalism is often misrepresented and misused in readings of contemporary Iran, this study examines several analogous Persian and English labels, exploring their different meanings, significances, and varied applications, in order to challenge any fixed and universal interpretations of radicalism as a concept. The political experience of Mahmud Ahmadinejad, who has been widely perceived as a radical politician, provides an ideal case study in this regard, offering valuable insightinto how best to frame and interpret radicalism in post-revolutionary Iran. This book will be of particular interest to both scholars and students of Iranian Studies, but also to more general readers who are broadly interested in Middle Eastern studies, political science, and comparative politics.

This book clarifies Khomeini¿s views on nationalism, sectarianism, and peace and war by putting the Iran-Iraq war at center of understanding of Khomeini¿s ideology. Moreover, by making comparisons between Khomeini¿s thoughts before and after the revolution with his words during the Iran-Iraq war, this book helps us see how his discourse during the conflict was shaped by such thoughts. Also, such a comparison helps us understand the complexities of Khomeini¿s doctrines and their evolvements. Additionally, by offering a unique set of methodological tools, this book introduces a new way to study political leaders in Iran and other parts of the Middle East.

This book delves deep into the complex dynamics surrounding the Iran nuclear deal and its subsequent fracture. In a post-2018 world, following the United States¿ withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, this work dissects the ramifications of this geopolitical shift, particularly with respect to Iran's nuclear ambitions.The book's central premise revolves around the idea that Iran's pursuit of nuclear capabilities is intricately tied to its enduring conflicts with Iraq, Israel, and the United States. It argues that the nuclear deal had the potential to quell these conflicts, particularly the long-standing rivalry between Iran and the U.S., thus reshaping Iran's relationships in the Middle East. However, with the U.S. exit from the agreement and its accusations of Iranian sponsorship of terrorism, Iran now perceives a heightened threat, potentially leading it to consider nuclear weapons as a deterrent against a potential war with the U.S.The book challengesconventional international relations paradigms with regards to Iran: realism, which typically predicts all conflicting states will seek nuclear weapons regardless of cooperative arrangements, is shown to ignore the nuanced connection between cooperation and proliferation propensity; and liberalism's emphasis on cooperation is critiqued in this case for overlooking the negative consequences of failed cooperative endeavours. The book highlights the importance of trust and compliance in the success of cooperative agreements, as well as the adverse effects of their breakdown.The work contributes significantly to our understanding of international relations in the Middle East. It draws on an extensive examination of prior research while presenting novel theoretical insights. The detailed case study of Iran's nuclear aspirations before, during, and after the nuclear deal serves as a compelling application of the theoretical framework.Finally, the book provides an in-depth exploration of the intricate web of geopolitics, trust, and cooperation that has shaped the trajectory of Iran's nuclear ambitions. It offers not only theoretical contributions to the field of international relations but also valuable policy insights for managing this critical international issue.