The Fate of Third Worldism in the Middle East: Iran, Palestine and Beyond

Third Worldism, inspired by anti-imperialist militancy, aimed to liberate oppressed peoples and achieve universal emancipation. However, by the early 1980s, progressive visions of independence and freedom had given way to an oppressive Islamic theocracy in Iran, and the Palestinian Revolution had been overshadowed by civil war in Lebanon, Israeli aggression, and intra-Arab conflict. This thought-provoking volume explores the decline of Third Worldism in the Middle East, focusing on the key protagonists and juxtaposing the Iranian and Palestinian cases to re-examine this defining era. It challenges us to reassess self-determination, emancipation, change, and solidarity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 04 January 2024
Publisher: Oneworld Publications

In the latter half of the twentieth century, a revolutionary idea emerged that held the potential to transform the global order. Fueled by international solidarity, anti-imperialist militancy aimed to liberate oppressed peoples and achieve universal emancipation, breaking the divide between the prosperous nations of the capitalist West and the poorer countries of the Global South. This idea was known as Third Worldism, and it inspired struggles across various regions, including Iran and Palestine. However, by the early 1980s, the progressive visions of independence and freedom that had once been held by Third Worldists had given way to a harsh reality. In Iran, the Iranian Revolution had been hijacked by an oppressive Islamic theocracy, while the Palestinian Revolution had been overshadowed by civil war in Lebanon, Israeli aggression, and intra-Arab conflict.

This thought-provoking volume delves into the dramatic decline of Third Worldism in the Middle East. It offers a poignant perspective by focusing on the key protagonists of the time, ranging from student activists to guerrilla fighters, and from volunteer nurses to militant intellectuals. By juxtaposing the Iranian and Palestinian cases, the book provides a riveting re-examination of this defining era. Ultimately, it challenges us to reassess our understanding of the end of the long 1960s and prompts us to contemplate perennial questions concerning self-determination, emancipation, change, and solidarity.

The Introduction:
The Transformation of Third Worldism in the Middle East
Sune Haugbolle and Rasmus Elling

Third Worldism emerged as a response to the injustices and inequalities perpetuated by colonialism and imperialism. It sought to challenge the dominant power structures and promote the self-determination and independence of oppressed peoples. However, the decline of Third Worldism in the Middle East can be traced back to several factors.

One of the key factors was the rise of neoliberalism and the globalization of the economy. Neoliberal policies, championed by the United States and Western countries, aimed to promote free trade, deregulation, and privatization. These policies undermined the economic and political power of Third World countries, leading to increased dependence on foreign capital and the erosion of national sovereignty.

Another factor was the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The Soviet Union had been a major supporter of Third World movements and had provided financial and military assistance to many Third World countries. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, these countries were left vulnerable to economic and political pressures from the West.

The rise of Islamic fundamentalism also played a significant role in the decline of Third Worldism in the Middle East. Islamic fundamentalism emerged as a response to the perceived Western imperialism and cultural domination. It sought to establish a global Islamic state that would promote the values of Islam and the rights of Muslims. However, Islamic fundamentalism often came at the expense of secularism, human rights, and women's rights, which were fundamental principles of Third Worldism.

The Iranian and Palestinian Cases:
The Iranian Revolution
The Iranian Revolution, which began in 1979, was a major turning point in the decline of Third Worldism in the Middle East. The revolution was led by a group of students and intellectuals who were dissatisfied with the ruling shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The revolution was characterized by a combination of political and social reforms, including the establishment of a secular government, the promotion of women's rights, and the redistribution of wealth.

However, the Iranian Revolution soon faced challenges from both internal and external forces. The revolution was hijacked by a group of religious conservatives, known as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC used violence and repression to suppress opposition and maintain power. The revolution also faced economic difficulties, including high inflation and a declining economy.

In the early 1980s, the Iranian Revolution faced a major setback when the United States imposed economic sanctions on Iran. The sanctions were intended to pressure Iran to abandon its nuclear program, which the United States believed was a threat to international security. The sanctions led to a severe economic crisis in Iran, which further weakened the government and increased the power of the IRGC.

The Palestinian Revolution
The Palestinian Revolution, which began in the late 1960s, was another major turning point in the decline of Third Worldism in the Middle East. The revolution was led by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which sought to establish a Palestinian state in the occupied territories of Israel and the West Bank. The revolution was characterized by a combination of armed resistance and political negotiations.

However, the Palestinian Revolution faced significant challenges from both Israel and the Arab world. Israel responded to the PLO's armed resistance with military force. The Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip led to a massive displacement of Palestinian civilians, and the Israeli government imposed a harsh military occupation that violated human rights and humanitarian law. The Arab world, on the other hand, was divided over the issue of the Palestinian revolution, with some Arab countries supporting Israel and others supporting the PLO.

In the early 1980s, the Palestinian Revolution faced a major setback when the United States and Israel signed the Camp David Accords. The Accords recognized Israel's right to exist and established a framework for the future peace process between Israel and the Palestinians. However, the Accords did not address the core issues of the Palestinian struggle, such as the right to self-determination and the return of Palestinian refugees.

Conclusion:
The decline of Third Worldism in the Middle East was a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that was influenced by a range of political, economic, and social factors. The rise of neoliberalism, the collapse of the Soviet Union, the rise of Islamic fundamentalism, and the challenges faced by the Iranian and Palestinian revolutions were all significant factors that contributed to the decline of Third Worldism in the Middle East. The Iranian and Palestinian cases provide a poignant illustration of the challenges faced by Third Worldists in the region. While the Iranian Revolution initially promised a new era of freedom and democracy, it was soon hijacked by religious conservatives who used violence and repression to maintain power. The Palestinian Revolution faced similar challenges, with Israel's military occupation and the Arab world's divided response further complicating the situation.

The decline of Third Worldism in the Middle East has important implications for the future of the region. It highlights the need for a new approach to promoting social and economic justice and human rights in the Middle East. It also highlights the importance of international solidarity and cooperation in addressing the challenges faced by oppressed peoples and promoting their self-determination and independence.

In conclusion, the decline of Third Worldism in the Middle East was a significant event that had far-reaching consequences for the region and the world. It was a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that was influenced by a range of political, economic, and social factors. The Iranian and Palestinian cases provide a poignant illustration of the challenges faced by Third Worldists in the region. While the decline of Third Worldism in the Middle East has important implications for the future, it is important to remember the legacy of Third Worldism and the struggles that it has led to. By continuing to promote the principles of social and economic justice, human rights, and international solidarity, we can work towards a more equitable and peaceful world.

Dimension: 234 x 153 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780861547289