The Sacred Republic: Power and Institutions in Iran

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the establishment, evolution, and current significance of institutions in the Islamic Republic of Iran, focusing on the key formal institutions of the state through which the Islamic Republic exercises power. It fills a gap in the study of Iranian politics and offers insights for the theoretical literature on comparative politics, Middle Eastern politics, and Iranian Studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2023
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

This book offers a comprehensive and detailed examination of the establishment, evolution, and current significance of various institutions in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Drawing upon the expertise of numerous Iran specialists, the volume explores the origins, functions, and transformations of these institutions, aiming to provide insights into Iranian politics and society.

The book specifically delves into the key formal institutions of the state through which the Islamic Republic exercises power, including the velayat-e faqih: the judiciary, the presidency, the parliament, elections, the Revolutionary Guards, and the foreign policy establishment. Despite the substantial body of work on Iranian politics in recent decades, there has been a notable lack of studies focused on state institutions, their resilience, or the factors contributing to and mechanisms of institutional change. By employing historical institutionalism and comparative historical analysis, the contributors to this book collectively address a significant gap in the study of Iran's political institutions, offering valuable contributions to the theoretical literature on comparative politics, Middle Eastern politics, and Iranian Studies.

The book begins by providing an overview of the historical context and development of Iran's institutions. It explores the political, social, and cultural factors that have shaped these institutions and their role in shaping Iranian politics and society. The contributors then examine each institution in detail, discussing their functions, structures, and historical evolution. They analyze how these institutions have responded to various challenges and opportunities, and how they have contributed to the stability and resilience of the Islamic Republic.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of institutions in promoting or constraining political change in Iran. The contributors explore how different institutions have played a role in shaping the political landscape, including the role of the judiciary in interpreting and enforcing the constitution, the presidency in setting the agenda.

The book also examines the challenges and opportunities that institutions face in the contemporary context. It explores how institutions have responded to the rise

The book offers valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in understanding the complex dynamics of Iranian politics and society. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the institutions that shape Iran's political landscape, and their role in promoting or constraining political change. The book will be of interest to students and scholars of Middle Eastern politics, comparative politics, Iranian Studies, and political science in general.

In conclusion, this book is a significant contribution to the study of Iranian politics and society. It offers a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the establishment, evolution, and current significance of various institutions in the Islamic Republic of Iran. By drawing upon the insights of numerous Iran specialists, the volume fills a glaring gap in the study of Iran's political institutions, providing valuable insights for the theoretical literature on comparative politics, Middle Eastern politics, and Iranian Studies.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787389519