Mullahs, Guards, and Bonyads : an exploration of Iranian leadership dynamics / / David E. Thaler ... [et al.].

• TeilnehmendeR: Thaler, David E.
• Year of Publication: 2010
• Edition: 1st ed.
• Language: English
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (169 p.)
• Notes: Description based upon print version of record.

The U.S. ability to ""read"" the Iranian regime and formulate appropriate policies has been weakened by lack of access to the country and by the opacity of decision making in Tehran. To improve understanding of Iran's political system, the authors describe Iranian strategic culture; investigate Iran's informal networks, formal government institutions, and personalities; assess the impact of elite behavior on Iranian policy; and summarize key trends.

Table of Contents

Cover; Preface; Contents; Figures; Summary; Acknowledgments; Abbreviations; CHAPTER ONE - Introduction: Leadership Dynamics in the Islamic Republic of Iran; CHAPTER TWO - Assertiveness and Caution in Iranian Strategic Culture; Iran: The Conquering and Conquered Nation; A New Revolutionary Paradigm; From Revolution to Pragmatism-and Back Again?; Challenges to Iranian Power; CHAPTER THREE - Formal Structures of the Islamic Republic; The Supreme Leader; The President; The Majles; The Assembly of Experts; The Guardian Council; The Expediency Council; The Judiciary

The Supreme National Security Council The Strategic Council for Foreign Relations; Iran's Security Forces; Concluding Remarks: Formal Structures; CHAPTER FOUR - Factionalism and the Primacy of Informal Networks; The System: A Web of Personalities, Networks, and Institutions; A Men's Club of Key Personalities; Informal Networks and Patronage Systems of the Khodi; Formal Institutional Structure as a Playing Field for Informal Networks; Factions: Supernetworks of Individuals, Relationships,and Power Centers; Concluding Remarks: Factionalism and Informal Networks

CHAPTER FIVE - The Nexus of Domestic Politics and Policymaking in IranForeign Policy as a Backdrop for Domestic Politics; Iranian Policy in the Middle East: Factional Determinants and Geopolitical Context; The Nuclear Case: Factionalism, Personality, and Policymaking; The Emergence of the Economy as a Factional Battleground; Concluding Remarks: Domestic Politics and Policymaking; CHAPTER SIX - Conclusion: Power and Politics in the Islamic Republic; Key Observations on How the Iranian Political System Works; Emerging Trends to Watch in Iran; Concluding Thoughts for U.S. Policymakers

Bibliography