The Hidden History of the Iranian Revolution

Socialism 2016

July 01, 2016

The Iranian Revolution of 1979 continues to have profound effects for the people of Iran and the broader region in particular. Much has been written on the topic but mostly from an historical perspective: e.g. names, dates, events, etc. This presentation will focus on a Marxist perspective of understanding the role of imperialism, combined and uneven development, class development and stratification, and the role of ideology, specifically of the left and radical political Shi'ism - with a few names, dates, and events thrown in for good measure.

Revolution and Counter-Revolution in Iran by Phil Marshall
Modern Iran: The Roots and Results of Revolution by Nikkie Keddie
Iran: A People Interrupted by Hamid Dabashi
A History of Modern Iran by Ervand Abrahamian
The Coup: 1953, the CIA, and the Roots of Modern U.S.-Iranian Relations by Ervand Abrahamian
Operation Ajax: The Story of the CIA Coup that Remade the Middle East by Mike de Seve and Daniel Burwen
All the Shah's Men: An American Coup and the Roots of Middle East Terror by Stephen Kinzer

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