Iran at the Paris Peace Conference - by Philip Grobien (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Using primary Persian and other previously unused source material this book describes Iran's activities at the Peace of Paris in 1919 and how Iran's intentions and desiderata were to put them at loggerheads with Britain's own plans for Iran and the Middle East. It shows that Iran's diplomacy in Paris was to be the focal point of a politically vibrant and febrile period after the WWI and provides an in-depth study of this important transitional period, when Iran first set out a programme for a contemporary, territorial, yet imperial nationalism, between the Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties"--

Book Synopsis

The end of the Qajar era in Iran, despite the accepted narrative of decline, was in fact an occasion of modern and forward-thinking nationalism. Iran developed an imperial nationalism, which was informed by its experiences under British and Russian hegemony and the absorption of Western modern ideas and practices, and which now looked towards a future as a sovereign and independent state within the foundational framework of its previous Empire. Emboldened by post-WWI notions of self-determination and the development of international institutions devoted to peace, Iran spearheaded its new-found diplomacy by sending a delegation to the peace talks in Paris in 1919.

This book shows how Iran's immediate post-war diplomacy came about, the conduct of Iran's delegation to Paris, frustrations with the Anglo-Persian Agreement, and ultimately how Iran's progress became the victim of British imperialism. Throwing a spotlight on an under-researched period of Iranian history, it will be of interest to readers of Iranian history, and those interested in the Paris Peace Conference of 1919.

Review Quotes

The outcomes of the Iranian delegation's participation at the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, albeit not meeting initial expectations, signifies a distinguished chapter in Iran's diplomatic history. Their contributions illuminated both the wartime tribulations and their aspirations for Iran's sovereign future. Philip Grobien's comprehensive study, while adeptly delineating the Iranian envoys' pursuits, captures the post-war vibrant international zeitgeist.
Touraj Atabaki, Professor, International Institute of Social History, Netherlands

About the Author

Philip Grobien holds a PhD from the University of St Andrews. His published work to date reflects his interest in the development of Iran's territorial nationalism during the Qajar dynasty.