The Political Economy of Iran under the Qajars
The political economy of Iran underwent a fundamental transition from feudalism towards modernity between the early nineteenth and the mid-twentieth centuries - a period which was a vital watershed in Iran's historical development. Yet why, despite its long, rich history and its extensive natural resources, did Iran fail to develop economically, become a democracy and establish a positive relationship with the outside world?This book explores the roots of the present-day challenges facing Iran by setting itsunderdevelopment within an historical framework and provides a critical analysis of the country's economic, social and political development, arguing that the path to modernityled to the emergence of a backward and dependent capitalist environment. Hooshang Amirahmadi examines the causes and origins of this turbulent transition and shows how Iran'sdevelopment was hindered by both internal and international factors. These included an absolutist monarchy with little interest in administrative and economic reform, a large, corrupt aristocracy frequently holding vital provincial governorships and frustrating effective central government, and a failure to create a modern civil service, military or financial sector or effective communications - the essential infrastructure for economic development. Reformers were marginalised and business suffered, whilst the all-powerful olama put a further brake on modernisation. Amirahmadi shows that Iran's failure to make the crucial transition from agriculture to manufacturing in this period lies at the heart of the country's problems both past and present. On the international front, the rivalry of Britain and Russia compounded the existing problems: Amirahmadi argues that both these imperialist powers acted to undermine Iran's halting industrialisation efforts and political reforms in an attempt to preserve absolutism in the country, and thus to further their own interests. Using a wealth of primary sources and original research, he has produced a work which is invaluable for students of modern Iranian history, politics and political economy.
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