Iran in World Politics: The Question of the Islamic Republic (Columbia/Hurst)
Arshin Adib-Moghaddam has made great contributions both to the study of Iran, as a case study, and to the study of world politics as a field of inquiry. Not only does he show the importance of the domestic sources of foreign policy, he pays equal attention to the effect of extra-territorial groups and significant individuals on a country's domestic discourse regarding policy formulation. His study is a dynamic and analytical one, where both ideational and material dialectics shape the contemporary politics. Not only is this an original contribution, but it also serves as an in-depth critical analysis as well as a full description of the existing literature.(A. Reza Sheikholeslami, The American University of Sharjah)The struggle to attain democracy is gaining a pluralistic momentum. For thesake of this momentum, Adib-Moghaddam's book is becoming central to anydiscussion about Iran(Olga Dalaka and Panayiotis TsitsisMiddle East Bulletin)Adib-Moghaddam's engaging analysis of the Iranian politics is an effectiveantidote against the widespread characterisation of the Islamic Republicas the centre of the Shi'i crescent and a regime ruled by messianic fanaticswho are soon to be armed with nuclear weapons.(Gunes Murat TezcurInsight Turkey)Writing from a 'critical studies' perspective, Adib-Moghaddam looks atalternative, often novel, explanations of Iran's behaviour. Examples arehis analysis of the eight-year long Iran--Iraq war, to Iranian--Americanencounters. Cultural perspectives are the core to much of his analysis.The book is a fascinating read and lives up to the author's claim of offeringalternative perspectives on Iran in world politics.(Anoush EhteshamiJournal of Islamic Studies)The work is timely and needed.(David L. HurseyMiddle East Panorama1900-01-00)