iran

Describe the division between religion and state

The Iranian state has a significant influence over the economy, controlling key industries such as oil and gas. The private sector exists but is limited, with large state-affiliated organizations, like bonyads, dominating economic activity. Government intervention and sanctions also impact the market’s independence.

How does oil complicate Iran’s economy?

Iran's economy is heavily dependent on oil revenues, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices and international sanctions. This reliance on oil has led to economic instability, reduced diversification, and limited private sector growth.

What are bonyads?

state-affiliated charitable foundations in Iran that control large parts of the economy. They operate with little oversight, are tax-exempt, and are often criticized for corruption and inefficiency.

What economic problems is Iran facing

Iran faces multiple economic challenges, including inflation, unemployment, corruption, sanctions, and over-reliance on oil. Poor economic management and political isolation further worsen the situation, limiting foreign investment and growth.

In your opinion, what is Iran’s most pressing issue? Explain.

Answers may vary, but key issues include economic struggles due to sanctions, government corruption, political repression, or social unrest over restrictive policies. The combination of these factors fuels domestic instability and international tensions.

What is the purpose of the chief justice

The chief justice oversees Iran’s judiciary, ensuring laws align with Islamic principles and appointing key judicial officials.

What type of courts exist in Iran?

ran has a mix of civil, criminal, and revolutionary courts, with the latter handling political and national security cases.

Are elections important in Iran? Explain.

Elections are held regularly, but they are heavily controlled, with candidates vetted by the Guardian Council, limiting real democratic choice.

What powers does the Guardian Council have over elections?

It approves candidates and laws, ensuring alignment with Islamic and constitutional principles, effectively limiting electoral competition.

What type of election system does Iran use?

Iran uses a two-round majority system for presidential elections and a mixed system for parliament, with strict candidate vetting.

Contrast the Revolutionary Guard to the Basij.

The Revolutionary Guard is Iran’s elite military force, while the Basij is a volunteer militia used for domestic enforcement and suppression.

Why is political competition so confusing to outside observers?

iran has elections with multiple candidates, but real power remains with unelected bodies like the Supreme Leader and Guardian Council.

How successful was Pres. Khatami in instituting democratic reform?

He promoted reform and openness, but his efforts were blocked by hardliners, limiting lasting democratic change.

Why has Zimbabwe’s and Vietnam’s GDP growth differed over the last 30 years?

Zimbabwe suffers from a "resource curse," corruption, and poor governance, leading to economic decline, while Vietnam pursued economic reforms and industrialization, fostering growth.

Define totalitarianism.

A highly centralized regime that uses ideology to transform society and control all aspects of life, often through repression and propaganda.

What is authoritarianism?

A political system where power is concentrated in a leader or small group, limiting political freedoms and lacking full democratic accountability.

Define a nondemocratic regime.

A political system controlled by a small group that exercises power without constitutional accountability to the public. This regime restricts political pluralism, civil liberties, and often uses repression to maintain control.

Describe modernization theory as it relates to nondemocratic rule.

Modernization can lead to democracy, but if economic growth is uneven, it may strengthen authoritarianism by consolidating elite control.

What happened in the 2009 presidential election?

Widespread allegations of fraud led to mass protests (Green Movement) after Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s disputed re-election.

What was important about Rouhani’s 2013 election?

Rouhani was seen as a moderate, advocating for diplomacy, nuclear negotiations, and easing tensions with the West.

Describe Iran’s civil society during the past 30 years.

Civil society has faced restrictions, with crackdowns on activists and media, but some reformist movements and protests have persisted.

Describe modern Iranian nationalism.

A mix of Persian cultural pride, Islamic identity, and resistance to foreign influence, shaping both domestic and foreign policy.

Name and explain the various ethnic groups in Iran.

Major groups include Persians (majority), Azeris, Kurds, Arabs, and Baluchis, with some facing political and economic discrimination.

Why is it hard to classify a unifying ideology in Iran?

Iran blends religious (Shia Islam) and nationalist elements, but divisions exist between reformists, conservatives, and ethnic minorities.

What characterizes many authoritarian systems?

Authoritarian systems are marked by centralized power, where a leader or small elite group holds significant control. Political freedoms are restricted, opposition is suppressed, and institutions like the judiciary, media, and military are often used to maintain power. Elections (if held) are usually manipulated to ensure regime stability.

What are the various models of nondemocratic rule?

• Personalist Rule (Dictatorship): Power is concentrated in one leader, often backed by a cult of personality (e.g., North Korea’s Kim Jong-un).

• Military Regime: The military controls the government, often after a coup, ruling by force (e.g., Myanmar).

• One-Party State: A single political party dominates all aspects of governance, suppressing opposition (e.g., China’s Communist Party).

• Theocratic Rule: Religious leaders control the government, enforcing religious law (e.g., Iran).

• Hybrid/Illiberal Regimes: Appear to have democratic institutions but manipulate elections, judiciary, and media to maintain authoritarian control (e.g., Russia under Putin).

Why study Iran?

Iran is a key Middle Eastern power with a unique theocratic system, significant global influence, and a complex political history shaped by revolution, authoritarianism, and reform movements.

Is Iran a Middle Eastern country? Explain.

Yes, Iran is geographically in the Middle East, but it has a distinct Persian identity, language (Farsi), and Shia Islamic majority, differentiating it from many Arab nations.

What are the critical junctures in Iranian history?

Key events include the 1906 Constitutional Revolution, the 1953 U.S.-backed coup, the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Iran-Iraq War (1980–88), and ongoing tensions with the West over nuclear policy.

Explain Khomeini’s concept of velayat-e faqih.

The doctrine that gives clerical leaders (faqihs) supreme authority in governance, arguing that Islamic jurists should rule in place of secular or monarchic governments.

What is the state purpose of the Iranian constitution?

It establishes Iran as an Islamic Republic, combining religious and democratic elements, ensuring Islamic law guides all aspects of governance.

What law is the supreme law of the land?

Iran’s supreme law is the Sharia-based constitution, which subordinates all other laws to Islamic principles.

Describe the parts of Iran’s legislature.

The Majles (Parliament) drafts laws and oversees the government, while the Guardian Council vets laws and candidates to ensure compatibility with Islamic principles.

Describe Iran’s executive branch.

It includes the Supreme Leader (highest authority, controls military and judiciary) and the President (elected but subordinate to the Supreme Leader).