Drugs Politics: Managing Disorder in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Iran has one of the world's highest rates of drug addiction, and this book explores the role of illegal substances in the politics of modern Iran, how they have affected the formation of the Iranian state, and how governmental attempts to control and regulate illicit drugs have affected drug consumption and addiction.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 363 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Iran boasts one of the world's highest rates of drug addiction, estimated to range from 2 to 7 percent of its entire population. This staggering statistic underscores the pressing need to address the profound impact of illegal substances on the politics of modern Iran. In this thought-provoking book, Maziyar Ghiabi delves into the intricate relationship between drugs, the Iranian state, and power dynamics. Through a comprehensive exploration of these critical issues, Ghiabi challenges the prevailing notion that Iran is an inherently conservative state, revealing it to be a complex and multifaceted reality.

By answering these thought-provoking questions, Ghiabi offers a fresh perspective on the Islamic Republic of Iran. He skillfully weaves together ethnographic narratives from drug users, vivid field observations from the underbelly of society, and archival material from the pre- and post-revolutionary eras. This rich tapestry of sources provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex web of drug consumption, addiction, and governmental attempts to control and regulate illicit drugs.

Through his meticulous research and analysis, Ghiabi challenges the notion that Iran is an inherently conservative state. He reveals that drugs have played a significant role in shaping the country's history, politics, and social dynamics. The book sheds light on the ways in which drugs have been used as tools of political repression, social control, and economic empowerment, as well as the ways in which they have contributed to the marginalization and exploitation of certain groups.

Furthermore, Ghiabi explores the impact of governmental attempts to control and regulate illicit drugs on drug consumption and addiction. He examines the policies, strategies, and unintended consequences of drug control efforts, highlighting the challenges and complexities involved in combating a complex problem. The book sheds light on the ways in which drug users and communities have responded to these policies, often resorting to illegal and dangerous practices to meet their needs.

In conclusion, "Drugs and the Islamic Republic of Iran" is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between drugs, the Iranian state, and power dynamics. By challenging the prevailing myths and misconceptions, Ghiabi provides a valuable contribution to the field of Middle Eastern studies and sheds light on the urgent need for a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to drug policy and addiction treatment in the region. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core, ensuring that its insights and scholarship reach a wider audience.

Weight: 514g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108466936