The Great Powers, and Iran's Social and Political Evolution - (Studies in Iranian Politics) by Shireen T Hunter (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This book is a personal narrative chronicling the life and experiences of Shireen Hunter, an Iranian woman who came of age during a transformative era in Iran's history. It begins by spanning the tumultuous aftermath of World War II to the pivotal 1979 revolution, providing a poignant account of the profound impact of these historical events on the author's life.

The book delves into the multifaceted consequences of the reformist period that began in the 1960s. They enabled Shireen to enter the diplomatic service, but also cast a shadow of adversity over her family. Ultimately, the reforms contributed to internal divisions that ignited the 1979 revolution.

The book then explores Shireen's immigrant experience in the USA, where she assumed the role of an "ethnic expert" in the volatile arena of Middle East politics. It candidly recounts challenges she faced in maintaining intellectual integrity while earning a livelihood, highlighting the precariousness of being on the right side of controversial issues.

The book does not offer definitive solutions to specific problems. Yet it resonates with contemporary international security and developmental challenges and offers insights that remain relevant in today's complex global landscape.

With its multifaceted narrative encompassing Iran's social and political history, women's studies, immigrant experiences, and a personal perspective on critical junctures in U.S.-Iranian relations, this book appeals to a diverse readership. It provides a unique window into "lived" experiences and analytical reflections of an individual who has traversed the intersections of history, identity, and diplomacy, offering invaluable insights into both past and present.

From the Back Cover

This book chronicles the life of Shireen Hunter, an Iranian woman who came of age during a transformative era in Iran's history. It spans the tumultuous aftermath of World War II, the reforms of the 1960s, and the growing dissent of the 1970s, culminating in the 1979 revolution. The book recounts the contradictory impact of reforms on Iran's social and political evolution, as well as on her life. It also illustrates how great power politics impacted Iran's evolution and her personal journey.

The book explores Shireen's immigrant experience in the USA, including the challenges she faced as an "ethnic expert" in the controversial field of Middle East politics. It encompasses Iran's social and political history, women's studies, and immigrant experiences and offers a personal perspective on critical junctures in U.S.-Iranian relations. It provides a unique window into "lived" experiences and analytical reflections of someone who has traversed the intersections of history, identity, and diplomacy.

"Few individuals have Shireen Hunter's life experiences, as Iran's first female career diplomat serving abroad and as a distinguished scholar living in the United States. This memoir captures the rich texture of life and politics in Iran and places her life's journey within the context of Iranian history, politics, and its relations with the United States. This is a work of tremendous value that only a scholar and diplomat like Shireen Hunter could offer."

Mehran Kamrava, Georgetown University, Qatar

"This book is a thoughtful analysis and meditation on Iran's modern history, politics and society. Drawing on her rich life as diplomat, scholar and public intellectual, Shireen Hunter guides us through events that have shaped modern Iran's social and political evolution. This is a real gem full of sober reflections, fresh insights and bold recommendations. Must read for students of Iran and the Middle East."

Nader Hashemi, Georgetown University

Shireen T. Hunter has more than fifty years of experience in international affairs, as diplomat, think tank analyst, and university professor.

About the Author

Shireen T. Hunter has more than fifty years' experience in international affairs as a diplomat (Iranian Foreign Service, 1965-1979), think-tank analyst, and program director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Centre for European Policy Studies (1983-2005). She joined Georgetown University's Alwaleed Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding (2005-2019), as Senior Visiting Fellow, Visiting Professor, and Research Professor. She is now an ACMCU Honorary Fellow .