MID E 5635 - Contemporary Politics & Society in Iran

This course serves as an introduction to modern Iranian politics and society. It follows the events leading up to the Iranian Revolution of 1979, and examines the outcomes that have defined the Islamic Republic of Iran. Key topics of discussion include the coup d'etat against prime Minister Mossadegh (1953), the rule of Reza Shah Pahlavi, the Iranian Revolution (1979), the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), the Reform Movement (1977-2005), the rise of Iranian neo-conservatives (2005-present). We will also look at the Iran's geopolitical power and influence , Iran's nuclear program, Iran's role in Iran-Afghanistan, and US-Iran tensions.