The emergence of a state from dependence to regional power : the case of Iran, 1953-1979

Abstract

This thesis examines the rule of Mohammed RezaShah Pahlavi of Iran (1953-1979) in the context of his regime's 'dependence' on the United States in the 1950s for its survival, and his attempts, in the 1970s, to transform Iran into a major pro-Western regional power with aspirations to eventual world power status. In this, it critically reviews both the domestic and foreign policy objectives and behaviour of the Shah. It basically argues that despite all his achievements, the Shah's goals and policies were full of inherent contradictions and weaknesses. They were not responsive to the needs of Iran and failed to achieve even their own objectives. In fact, they unleashed the very trends and developments which ultimately led the Iranian people to launch the 1978 mass movements against the Shah's rule, forcing him from the throne on the grounds that he was the 'enemy' of Iran and 'puppet' of the United States.