Iran: A Century of Undemocratic Violence

Abstract

The history of 20th century Iran is dominated by reoccurring episodes of civic struggles in the face of three successive authoritarian regimes — Qajar, Pahlavi and the Islamic Republic. This century also saw two defining moments in Iranian history: the Constitutional Revolution 1906 and the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Although these revolutions were preceded by violent and nondemocratic regimes, they created positive and concrete consequences. The first revolution was significant because it ushered in a protracted period of modernization, culminating in the implementation of liberal reforms. And while the Islamic Revolution has seen an unprecedented centralization of the state, it has led to the strengthening of civil society, opening the door for viable democratic movements.