Includes bibliographical references and index.

The theory of arbitrary rule: status and implications -- Towards a general theory of Iranian revolutions -- Arbitrary rule: a comparative theory of state, politics and society in Iran -- The Aridisolatic Society: a model of long-term social and economic development in Iran -- European liberalisms and modern concepts of liberty in Iran -- Problems of democracy and the public sphere in modern Iran -- Problems of political development in Iran: democracy, dictatorship or arbitrary government -- Liberty and licence in the constitutional revolution of Iran -- The campaign against the Anglo-Iranian Agreement of 1919 -- The revolt of Shaikh Mohammed Khiyabani -- Iran's fiscal history and the nature of state and society in Iran -- The execution of Amir Hasank the Vazir: some lessons for the historical sociology of Iran

"This book is the first modern theory of Iranian history. It explains Iran's history and politics - past, recent and present - and solves many of the puzzles that both lay and professional observers have long felt about them. For example, it shows why there was a revolution in 1905-1906 for democracy and modernisation, and one in 1977-1979 for an Islamic republic (or communist state). Or why many of the Iranians who, in 1979, angrily supported the occupation and hostage-taking of American diplomats in Tehran, are now emotionally pro-American and wish that the United States would help them directly in changing Iran's regime." "The book offers a completely new and alternative approach to the understanding of Iranian history, politics and society, and its consequences for political action and behaviour in that country."--BOOK JACKET.