Democracy in Iran: Why It Failed and How It Might Succeed Hardcover – November 7, 2016

An incredibly fresh breath of air on a dark and ominous topic: the future of democracy in Iran. Prof. Parsa delves deeply into the background history of the failure of democracy in Iran, avoiding trite and obvious arguments and the usual deconstruction of Islamism. This thoughtful study is filled with clear documentation from respectable published sources that can not be ignored or overlooked by the current regime in Iran. Washington observers, academics, and, indeed, all of us ought to read this wise and encouraging book. Without giving too much away (spoiler alert), Prof. Parsa predicts revolution over reform in Iran. He delineates pathways that are strengthening (Iran's Green Movement), names names and institutions that are seething for revolution and house cleaning, and sees hope where others cower in stale politics, fear mongering, cultural ignorance, and isolationism. I can imagine lots of undergraduates developing excellently received papers out of this work. Must read for diplomats, historians, politicians, and us folks who continue to hone our world views with informed opinions. R.C. Weller

Interesting and well thought out history of the failure of democracy to take root in Iran and how it might evolve in the future. it would be interesting to apply the author's analytical model to other situations such as the current crisis of Democracy in Venezuela and historically in Chile (democracy returns and Cuba (the continuing failure to democratize).The only complaint is the author's tendency to become bogged down with repeated and detailed recitations of individual cases or repression to prove his point regarding the anti-democratic nature of the Islamic revolution.

I read this book "Democracy in Iran" after Dr. Misagh Parsa's other excellent writing, "States, Ideologies, and Social Revolutions: A Comparative Analysis of Iran, Nicaragua, and the Philippines." This work is a thoroughly detailed analysis of the historical, cultural, political, and economic shifts in Iran by providing a rich variety of perspectives from a diverse array of sources. This academic research shows the struggle of the Iranian people's dream for secular democracy. It proves how reform in Iran is failing and provides very detailed evidence from the opposition and the Islamic Republic on a micro and macro level. I strongly suggest that anyone who wants to learn about the reality of politics in Iran should read this timeless work. Democracy in Iran: Why It Failed and How It Might Succeed

Very detailed. Indeed comprehensive. But it gets only four stars because it fails to adequately explain why the Green Revolution failed. Without strong outside support, an unarmed populace cannot overthrow a tyrannical regime. There has been no 2nd Amendment in Iran.

great!

This is a well organized and unbiased professionally written book about the process of democratic movement in Iran in last century.

This is a terrific book on a very important topic, questioning the role of religion in government. Indeed, this role seems questionable when we think of countries other than Iran as well. For anyone interested in global policy and the state of Iran, this is an enlightening and powerful book. The work is thoroughly researched and compelling and the perspective is objective and honest.