Iran Country Comparison Flashcards

Flashcards reviewing key concepts about Iran's history, demographics, government, and political culture based on lecture notes.

What is Islamism?

The belief that Islam should be the source of the political regime; AKA Islamic Fundamentalism

Who was Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini?

First supreme leader of Iran (1980-1989)

What is a theocracy?

Rule by religion/religious leaders

What is the Koran?

Central holy book of Islam

What is the common language of Iran?

Farsi

What is distinct about Iran’s ethnic identity compared to other Islamic countries in the area?

Majority of Iran is ethnically Persian, not Arab; sees themselves as distinct from the rest of the Middle East and doesn’t identify with pan-Islamic/pan-Arab identity

What is the denomination of Islam that is predominantly practiced in Iran?

Shiism

What is the difference between Shia and Sunni Islam?

Shia believe that the rightful heir and proper descendants of the prophet Muhammad should rule, while Sunni believe that Islamic scholars should rule.

Who was Muhammad?

Main prophet of Islam

Who is Mohammad Khatami?

1998-2005 President of Iran; proponent of “Dialogue of Civilizations” and liberalization

Who is Mahmoud Ahmadinejad?

2005-2013 President of Iran; conservative response to Khatami era

Who is Hassan Rouhani?

President of Iran 2013-2021; promised social reform and improved western relations

Who is the current president of Iran?

Masoud Pezeshkian

Who is Ali Khamenei?

Current supreme leader of Iran since 1989; leans conservative

How many supreme leaders has Iran had since the revolution of 1979?

Two: Khomeini and Khamenei

What are the main geographic/demographic features of Iran?

4th largest global oil reserves, largest natural gas reserves, Eastern Middle East, shares borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan, size of Alaska, 80M people, median age = 30

What is the ethnic makeup of Iran?

60% Persian, 20% Azeri, 20% smaller ethnic groups (Kurds, Arabs, Baluchis)

What is the significance of Azerbaijan in Iran?

Strengthens ethnic identity of Azeris in Iran

What is Persia?

Name of Iran before 1935

What is Sharia Law?

Religious law of Islam

What is Velayat-e-faqih?

Clergy sovereignty

What is Iran’s Legislative executive system?

Dual executive theocracy

What is the main legislative body of Iran?

Majlis (Unicameral)

What is the electoral system for the Majlis?

Mixed SMD and MMD

What are the powers of the Majlis?

Initiate/pass legislation, oversee budget, approve cabinet appointments

What is the structure of the Majlis?

290 members, 4 year terms, at least 30 years old, seats for religious minorities, 16 women

What is Iran’s division of power?

Unitary

What is the chief judicial body in Iran?

Supreme Court (Highest Appeals Court)

What is the role of Chief Justice?

Understands Sharia, manages judicial institutions, oversees appointment, 5 year terms, appointed by Supreme Leader

What is the purpose of Revolutionary Courts?

National security cases; executes 2nd highest # globally

What is the Supreme Leader?

Chief spiritual and political leader of Iran

How long is the Supreme Leader’s term?

Life

What are the powers of the supreme Leader?

Commander in chief, appoints 6 religious experts to the Guardian Council, appoints Chief Justice, appoints Expediency Council, controls oil revenue, Head of State akin to a monarch

What is the Assembly of Experts?

Elected body of islamic scholars that chooses the supreme leader

How many members are in the Assembly of Experts?

88

How long are the terms for the Assembly of Experts?

8 year terms

What is the role of the President?

Head of government, State budget, initiates legislation, appoints cabinet, No veto power, limited foreign policy

How long can the President serve?

2 4 year terms

What is the role of the Guardian Council?

Vets candidates for office and can overturn legislation; Reviews legislation in terms of Islamic law

What is the structure of the Guardian Council?

12 people, 6 year terms; 6 Clerics appointed by the Supreme Leader, 6 Lawyers appointed by the Chief Justice

What is the intermediate body between the Guardian Council and the Majlis?

Expediency Council

What is the role of the Expediency Council?

Mediate between Majlis and Guardian Council; 5 year terms, appointed by the Supreme Leader

Which government bodies in Iran are directly elected?

Majlis, Assembly of Experts, and President

How are members of the Majlis elected?

SMD: Largest share candidate with at least 25% of the vote; MMD: Top candidates, runoff if less than 25% of vote

What is the difference between the Revolutionary Guard and the Basij?

Revolutionary Guard: Parliamentary force charged with defending the regime from domestic and internal enemies; Basij: Morality police, “People’s Militia”

What does Iran’s party system look like now?

Lack of party system; Political factionalization; “Parties” centered around people more than ideology

What was the Second Khordad Front?

Reformist alliance that emerged in Iran to contest the 2000 Majlis elections and won 189/290 parliamentary seats in 2001

Describe the relationship between the strength of the state and the strength of Iran’s civil society?

Strong civil society during periods of weak state; Weak civil society during periods of strong state

Describe opportunities for women in Iran?

High education (Except in certain fields), limited opportunities and autonomy; Cannot leave the country without male permission and cannot watch sporting events

Describe press freedom in Iran?

Low press freedom, heavily restricted

What role does the internet play in Iran?

Heavily restricted, slow internet speeds, but used to connect with outside world and broadcast government failings

What is the Green Movement?

Social movement that protested corruption and possible election fraud

What is Guidance Patrol?

Enforces religious mandates (like the Hijab)

What is the significance of terrorist groups in Iran?

ISIS, Al Qaeda, Hezbollah (Iran supports); International sanctions, violent attacks, questionable relationship with state

What are the 3 main divides in Iran’s political culture?

Religion vs. State, State vs. Market, Relations with the West

What are reformists?

Those who want decreased role of Islam in politics and increased role of law and democracy

What are Quietists?

Those who hold the Shia view that rejects theocracy and the direct role of religion in the state

What are Principalists?

Political conservatives in Iran who oppose liberalization and political reform

What is Iran’s attitude towards the US government and the US people?

Generally less unfavorable of people than government; High dislike for US and UK government

What is the “Resource Curse” or “Resource Trap”

Phenomena plaguing countries with rich natural resources leading to lack of diversification of their economies and industry, corruption, and less regard towards the people’s will

How has oil impacted Iran’s economy?

Decreased private sector in favor of oil investment

What are Bonyads?

Parastatal foundations to help the poor which eventually became monopolies on major industries

What is autarky?

Economic independence/self sufficiency; Rise in popularity after foreign control by UK and other western powers

What is the idea of the “Resistance economy”

An economy independent of the international economy

Describe Iran’s current economic situation?

War in Iraq → Decrease in Iran GDP per capita; Oil currently priced at half of its peak in 1970, 11% unemployment, 30% youth unemployed, Brain drain, Low birth rates, Inflation