What is Iran?

What is Iran? What are its domestic politics? Its history? Its international relations? Here, Arshin Adib-Moghaddam sheds fresh light on these questions, offering a general introduction to everything there is to know about this country. Uniquely, he uses musical pieces as a way to offer a holistic understanding of the full spectrum of Iranian affairs. As a result, even the general reader is invited to traverse a wide array of topics in an interactive format which merges approaches from the social sciences with philosophy, poetry and art. These topics include a variety of themes, issues and personalities: from Trump, Khomeini, the Shah, Saddam Hussein and Qasem Soleimani, to Israel, Syria, Latin America, China and the Gulf monarchies. Ultimately, this book demonstrates in clear and accessible prose the impact of Iranian politics on a global scale, and offers solutions to the various crises enveloping the country in the region and beyond.

'With this book, Adib-Moghaddam takes his global audience into his 'School of Love'. The unique argument is steeped in powerful strokes combining philosophy, history, prophethood, art, music and poetry. What is Iran does not only offer a full survey of Iranian affairs and its global history, the book opens unlimited space for a universality of thought that generates peace, harmony and humanism.' Lubna Abid Ali, Professor of International Relations and Dean, Faculty of Contemporary Studies, National Defence University, Pakistan, 'The author breaks the spell of constructed images of what Iran is and what it is not. No other book but this volume tells us that the country's presence in global history is ubiquitous and infinite beyond historically and politically projected images that are too readily available about Iran today.' Hisae Nakanishi, Professor, Graduate School of Global Studies, Doshisha University, 'The vivid colours that I have chosen for the Phoenix on the cover of this book reflect the strong spirit of the author, and their speed of light is reflective of the speed and strength of his mind. The musical pieces are reflected in the rhythmic flight of the Phoenix.' Lida Sherfatmand, International Artist, 'Through five musical pieces, Adib-Moghaddam offers a unique perspective on Iran's politics in the region and beyond … Adib-Moghaddam skilfully links the themes of his chosen examples - the greatness of Persian history and values and their impact on human history; revolutionary motivations and sacrifice; determination to rebel against injustice and resistance - to Iranian domestic and international politics. This informative book is a must-read for those engaged with Iranian studies and interested readers wishing to understand the trajectory of Iran-US relations.' Behzad Abdollahpour, International Affairs

Arshin Adib-Moghaddam is Professor in Global Thought and Comparative Philosophies at SOAS, University of London, and By-Fellow at Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge. He is the author and editor of seven influential books including A Critical Introduction to Khomeini (2014) and On the Arab Revolts and the Iranian Revolution: Power and Resistance Today (2013). A double graduate of Cambridge University, he received his Professorship at SOAS as one of the youngest academics in his field. Since then he has been elected to several honorary positions all over the world, some of them with royal seal and including at Harvard University and Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences in Kunming, China. @AdibMoghaddam