Empire 120. The Iranian Revolution: The Rise of Ayatollah Khomeini
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Feb 6, 2024 
In this insightful discussion, Ali Ansari, a Professor of Iranian Studies at the University of St. Andrews, unpacks the tumultuous era leading to the Iranian Revolution. He highlights the stark economic disparities exacerbated by the Shah's modernization efforts and rampant inflation. The rise of Ayatollah Khomeini as a voice for the discontented masses is examined, revealing how his vision clashed with the entrenched elite. Attention is also drawn to the opulent 2,500-year celebration of the Persian Empire, which starkly illustrated the disconnect fueling revolutionary fervor.
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Modernization Tensions
- Rapid modernization created tensions in Iranian society, unlike the Ottoman Empire.
- The Shah's rush to modernize began in the 1920s, leading to the development of the Iranian state under Reza Shah.
Iranian Agency in Mossadegh's Fall
- While many Iranians blamed foreign powers for the fall of Mossadegh, there was significant Iranian agency involved.
- Various groups within Iran, including military officers, clergy, and others, wanted Mossadegh gone.
Shah's Father Complex
- The Shah's desire for his father's approval influenced his governing style.
- His father believed that strong central authority was necessary for Iran, though not necessarily autocracy.