Revolution and Reform in Russia and Iran: Modernisation and Politics in Revolutionary States

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The Russian Revolutions of 1917 and the Iranian Revolution of 1979 are two examples of dramatic, sudden and extraordinary political upheaval that significantly altered the nature of the state and society in the modern age. Here, Ghoncheh Tazmini provides an unprecedented comparative study of these two major revolutions of the twentieth century, which although removed from each other both spatially and temporally, have striking similarities. Examining the roots, events and impact of these two defining upheavals, Tazmini analyses how they resemble each other, stressing the continuity of the dilemma of modernisation for the Romanov, Pahlavi, Communist and Islamist rulers alike. This book is a significant contribution to both historical and contemporary debates concerning Russian and Iranian politics, and to the discourse on the origins and consequences of modernisation and revolution themselves.

Reviews

'Here, Ghoncheh Tazmini has put forward an innovative and stimulating comparative argument that places both the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the Iranian Revolution of 1979 in a continuing cycle of change. Though differing in objectives and ideology, both revolutions derived from autocratic state-driven modernization, and both resulted in social discontent and political conflict. In both countries postrevolutionary development produced rejection of the western model of modernity, and instead introduced an indigenous version. This too has become subject to challenges as a result of globalisation, economic integration and the information age. Tazmini's thought-provoking and original book offers much to those with an interest in political culture, democracy and development, and the ambivalent relationship between western models and non-western traditions in the twenty-first century.' Vanessa Martin, Professor of History, Royal Holloway, University of London 'Tazmini provides an erudite and enlightening comparative analysis of the interaction of revolution and modernisation in two neighbouring countries with very different histories, Iran and Russia. It turns out that the two have more in common than expected, notably in the dialectic of development and political change. Tazmini draws out the similarities, while noting the distinctive features in the two countries. Tazmini makes an original contribution to the question of the developmental challenges facing post-revolutionary Russia and Iran, suggesting that traditional patterns of change, above all "catch-up modernisation", need to be transcended to allow more effective modernisation corresponding to contemporary needs. The work is essential for historians, political scientists and economists dealing with the problem of development in the two countries.' Richard Sakwa, Professor of Russian and European Politics, University of Kent

Author Bio

Ghoncheh Tazmini is an Iranian-born independent political scientist and consultant who has collaborated with research institutes in Europe and Iran. She holds a PhD in International Relations from the University of Kent at Canterbury, and is the author of Khatami's Iran: The Islamic Republic and the Turbulent Path to Reform (I.B.Tauris, 2009).