A Dynastic History of Iran
From the Qajars to the Pahlavis

Explores the political history of modern Iran, considering the myriad factors that facilitated the rise and fall of the last two dynasties.

Mehran Kamrava (Author)

9781009224659, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 25 August 2022

230 pages
22.8 x 15.2 x 1.8 cm, 0.36 kg

'This rich and engaging book takes a giant step toward understanding the nuances and subtleties of monarchical rule in Iran, providing a critical piece in the larger puzzle of how these monarchies exercised gamesmanship and what ultimately led to their collapse. This study will interest a wide readership in a variety of disciplines.' Mahmood Monshipouri, San Francisco State University

This rich dynastic study examines the political histories of Iran's last two monarchical dynasties, the Qajars and the Pahlavis. Tracing the rise and fall of both dynasties, Mehran Kamrava addresses essential questions about how and why they rose to power; what domestic and international forces impacted them; how they ruled; and how they met their end. Exploring over two hundred years of political history, Kamrava's comprehensive yet concise account places developments within relevant frameworks in an accessible manner. With detailed examinations of Iran's history, politics, and economics, he interrogates the complexities of dynastic rule in Iran and considers its enduring legacy. Developing innovative interpretations and utilizing original primary sources, this book illuminates the impact of the monarchy's rule and ultimate collapse on Iranian history, as well as Iran's subsequent politics and revolution.

1. Introduction
2. Qajar autocracy
3. The Constitutional Revolution
4. The new dynasty
5. Iran and great game politics
6. Dynasty consolidated
7. Economic development, political underdevelopment
8. The gendarme of the region
9. The monarchy's end
10. Conclusion.

Subject Areas: 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000 [HBLW], Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900 [HBLL], Middle Eastern history [HBJF1]