da Cruz, Joshua K.

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International Social Science Review 
Volume 96 Issue 1 Article 8 
Book Review: Iran Rising: The Survival and Future of the Islamic 
Republic by Amin Saikal 
Joshua K. da Cruz 
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da Cruz, Joshua K. () "Book Review: Iran Rising: The Survival and Future of the Islamic Republic by Amin 
Saikal," International Social Science Review: Vol. 96 : Iss. 1 , Article 8. 
Available at: https://digitalcommons.northgeorgia.edu/issr/vol96/iss1/8 
This Book Review is brought to you for free and open access by Nighthawks Open Institutional Repository. It has 
been accepted for inclusion in International Social Science Review by an authorized editor of Nighthawks Open 
Institutional Repository. 
Saikal, Amin. Iran Rising: The Survival and Future of the Islamic Republic. Princeton: 
Princeton University Press, 2019. vii+240. Hardcover, $29.95. 
     
     In the past several years diplomatic relations between the United States and Iran have been 
volatile to say the least. Consequently, understanding the relationship between the United States 
and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as it exists today, is crucial for deciphering their diplomatic 
future. Amin Saikal, professor of International Relations at the Australian National University, 
does an excellent job demonstrating this connection in his book, Iran Rising. Saikal’s central focus 
is to explore and analyze the oscillation between Iran’s religious legitimacy and its pragmatic 
policies over the last four decades.  In particular, Iran Rising is notable because of the way that 
Saikal analyzes the interplay between domestic and foreign relations. 
     Throughout his book, Saikal examines the growth of Iran by charting the steps taken by 
the founder of the Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, to implement his unique vision of a 
Shia theocratic order. Saikal outlines varying aspects of the Iranian political and class 
system,  explores its two-dimensional jihadi (“combative”) and ijtihadi (“reformist”) approach to 
government, as well as the class struggle between the mosta’zafin (the “have nots,” or the 
“oppressed and downtrodden”) and the mostakbarin (the “haves,” or “arrogant oppressors”).  In 
the last instance, Saikal argues that the former tends to focus on the Islamization of politics and 
everyday life while the latter apply a novel interpretation of Islam based on independent human 
reasoning. Together, these positions are combined to the degree necessary to forge a strong, 
modern Islamic Iran and, according to Saikal, are terms that may be used interchangeably with the 
proletariat and bourgeoise. 
     Saikal also contextualizes the current political situation between the United States and Iran 
by exploring their shared history. The author illustrates weaknesses and strengths in Iran’s political 
system and how it has stood up to American foreign policy. Saikal demonstrates not only why the 
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da Cruz: Book Review: Iran Rising
Published by Nighthawks Open Institutional Repository,
Trump administration has evolved its stance on Iran the way it has, but also explains where Iranian-
American relations will go in the future. Saikal spends most of the book delving into the complex 
issues facing the Iranian Republic by critically examining Khomeini’s rise to power through to the 
succession of Khamenei, who has instigated even further political reform within the Iranian 
government. Saikal also spends time exploring the resource capabilities of Iran, its economic 
power, and how those factors impact its relationship with countries regionally, and abroad.  
     In particular, Chapter 7, “Relations with the Major Powers,” serves as the cornerstone of 
the book. In this section, Saikal examines the importance of America’s relationships with its allies, 
and the ways in which Iran has restructured its friendships with China and Russia in order to remain 
a regional powerhouse. Finally, Saikal observes the relationship between Iran and the European 
Union, noting that the Iranian nuclear deal was not just between the United States and Iran, but 
affected the whole world.  
     In conclusion, Saikal’s Iran Rising should be on the bookshelf of not only scholars of 
Iranian history or politics, but also of anyone who has an interest in foreign relations, United States 
foreign policy, or modern Middle Eastern history. Saikal does an admirable job with the 
organizational structure of the book, which allows him to paint a broad picture of Iranian 
governance. In combination, Saikal’s analytical approach to Iranian politics, along with his 
historical interpretation of Iranian-American relations, aid both scholars and the general public, 
alike, in charting the country's future. 
Joshua Kohler da Cruz 
Georgia State University  
Atlanta, Georgia 
 
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International Social Science Review, Vol. 96, Iss. 1 [], Art. 8
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Book Review: Iran Rising: The Survival and Future of the Islamic Republic by Amin Saikal

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Book Review: Iran Rising: The Survival and Future of the Islamic Republic by Amin Saikal

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