Capitalism in Contemporary Iran: Capital Accumulation, State Formation and Geopolitics

This book explores how capital accumulation and changes in class and state formation in Iran during the global neoliberal era are interconnected,with new contested class dynamics,working class and poor shaping,and state form and foreign policy impacted.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 13 February 2024
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate dynamics of capital accumulation and the profound transformations it engenders in Iran during the global neoliberal era. It offers a compelling exploration of the interconnectedness between contemporary development in Iran, the nature of the state, ongoing sociopolitical upheavals, and geopolitical tensions with the West. By examining these issues within the framework of their relationship to the movements and tendencies of neoliberal global capitalism and their resultant geopolitics, the book sheds light on the profound consequences of Iranian neoliberalisation.

Through meticulous analysis, the book demonstrates that Iranian neoliberalisation has resulted in the emergence of new and contentious class dynamics. These dynamics have undergone a fundamental restructuring of the Iranian ruling class, leading to significant changes in the working class and the poor. Moreover, they have exerted a profound impact on the state form and its foreign policy.

The book begins by providing a historical backdrop, tracing the origins and evolution of neoliberal policies in Iran. It then delves into the ways in which these policies have been implemented, with a particular focus on their effects on different social groups. The authors argue that neoliberalisation has led to the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a small elite, while the majority of the population has suffered from rising inequality and poverty.

The book further explores the relationship between capital accumulation and class formation. It demonstrates how the expansion of capital markets and the adoption of free-market policies have created new opportunities for wealth accumulation, but have also led to the marginalisation and exploitation of certain groups. For instance, the authors highlight the growing divide between the urban and rural populations, as well as the exploitation of labour in the informal economy.

In addition to examining the effects of neoliberalisation on class dynamics, the book also explores the impact of these changes on the state form. It argues that the neoliberal state has become increasingly authoritarian and repressive, as it seeks to maintain the stability of the economy and suppress social unrest. The authors highlight the role of the state in promoting corporate interests and suppressing dissent, through measures such as censorship, surveillance, and the use of force.

The book also examines the geopolitical tensions between Iran and the West. It argues that these tensions are rooted in the competing interests of different actors, including the United States, Europe, and Russia. The authors highlight the role of geopolitics in shaping the economic and political landscape in the region, and the ways in which these tensions have impacted the development of Iran.

Overall, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the patterns of capital accumulation and the changes in class and state formation in Iran during the global neoliberal era. It offers valuable insights into the complex relationships between development, the state, society, and geopolitics, and highlights the urgent need for a more equitable and sustainable economic and political system.

Weight: 538g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526161789