Iran reading notes

Islamic Republic of Iran

Established by popular referendum after the Revolution of 1979.

Multinational State

A state with multiple cultural or ethnic groups; in Iran, the majority are of Persian descent.

Social Cleavages

Major divisions in society based on ethnicity and religion, particularly between Persians, Azeris, and Kurds.

Legitimacy

The right to rule, often derived from traditional religious legitimacy and rational-legal legitimacy in Iran.

Sharia Law

Islamic law that forms the basis of the legal system in Iran.

Ayatollah Khomeini

Leader of the Iranian Revolution in 1979 who institutionalized clerical rule.

Velayat-e faqih

The concept of clerical rule espoused by Ayatollah Khomeini.

Guardian Council

A body that vets candidates for elections and ensures legislation is compatible with Islamic law.

Bonyads

Public welfare organizations controlled directly by the Supreme leader.

Rentier State

A state heavily reliant on revenue from natural resources, particularly oil and gas in Iran.

Political Culture

The deeply rooted beliefs and values of a nation, including nationalism and themes of martyrdom in Iran.

Expediency Council

A council that advises the Supreme leader on major policy decisions in Iran.

Majlis

The unicameral legislative assembly of Iran composed of elected representatives.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

A military force established to protect the revolutionary ideals of the regime and control significant economic resources.

Direct Election

Citizens vote directly for positions including the president, Majlis members, and Assembly of Experts.

Chief Justice

The highest judge in Iran, appointed by the Supreme leader for a five-year term.

Censorship

Government control over information, including newspapers, internet, and broadcasts to limit dissent.

Constitution of 1979

The foundational legal document establishing the Islamic Republic of Iran, designed to ensure clerical dominance.

National Iranian Oil Company

Supplies 60% of government revenues in Iran, a key component of its rentier state economy.

Voter Referendum

A process by which citizens approve major changes, such as the establishment of the Islamic Republic.

Women in Iran

Face legal and social discrimination under theocratic laws which differentiate based on gender.

Elections in Iran

Held regularly but controlled by the Guardian Council, leading to limited choices for voters.

Parallel Military Structure

The dual military system composed of traditional armed forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Internet Censorship

The Iranian government's efforts to limit access to online information and suppress dissent.

type of state

Islamic Republic, established by referendum after the 1979 Revolution. It is a multinational state with a majority Persian population and significant Azeri, Kurdish, and other ethnic groups.

main source of legitimacy in Iran

Traditional religious legitimacy, based on Sharia law. The Supreme Leader and judges must be high-ranking clerics. Iran also has elements of rational-legal legitimacy through referendums and elections.

type of political system

theocracy, meaning it is governed based on religious law. It has authoritarian elements, with the Supreme Leader holding ultimate power, and elections being controlled through candidate vetting by the Guardian Council.

Iran’s economic system

mixed economy with a strong state presence. It is a rentier state, relying heavily on oil exports (60% of government revenue). Bonyads (public welfare organizations) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) control significant portions of the economy.

role of political socialization in Iran

Iranian nationalism, martyrdom culture, and Islamic teachings shape political beliefs. Agents of socialization include family, mosques, schools, state-run media, and government-controlled religious institutions.

structure of Iran’s constitution

Iran’s constitution was approved in 1979 and amended in 1989. It enshrines clerical rule (jurist guardianship) and establishes the Supreme Leader as the most powerful figure. It also allows for direct elections for certain positions.

type of government structure

Iran is a unitary state, meaning all sovereignty is centralized. Local elections exist but were not held until 1999 under President Khatami’s reforms.

powers of the Supreme Leader

supreme Leader has broad authority, including setting policies, overseeing branches of government, commanding the military, appointing key officials, issuing referendums, and controlling media and religious institutions.

President of Iran elected

through a two-ballot system for four-year terms (limited to two consecutive terms). The Guardian Council must vet all candidates before they can appear on the ballot.

function of the Majlis (parliament)

unicameral legislature, composed of 290 members (285 elected + 5 appointed religious minority representatives). It passes laws, ratifies treaties, and approves cabinet selections, but its power is checked by the Guardian Council.

Expediency Council

resolves disputes between the Majlis and the Guardian Council and advises the Supreme Leader on major policies.

judiciary function in Iran

based on Sharia law. The Chief Justice is appointed by the Supreme Leader and oversees all judicial appointments. The legal system includes revolutionary courts for threats to the regime and special courts for clerics.

role of the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps)

protects Iran’s revolutionary ideals, controls a significant portion of the economy, and operates forces like the Basij (used for domestic repression) and the Quds Force (for international operations).

trend in elite recruitment in Iran

political leadership is traditionally dominated by clerics, but public support for clerical candidates in the Majlis has declined (less than 20% since 2000).

How elections work in Iran

Elections are held for the president (every 4 years), the Majlis (every 4 years), the Assembly of Experts (every 8 years), and local councils (every 4 years). The Guardian Council vets candidates before they can run.