Brenda Shaffer Books

In theory, the Islamic Republic should have brought some fraternity to Iran's peoples, especially to the minorities who had engaged in insurgencies against the heavy-handedness of the Pahlavi shahs (1925-1979). That has not happened. The Persianization and centralization of the Iranian state have continued under the clerics. In practice, Islamization has been the obverse side of Persianization. Persianizing Islamists are an unintended tribute to the Pahlavis' success in creating a national identity from a recovered, reanimated past. To the ethnic minorities who are more agnostic, mystical, or anti-clerical (a large number among the Shia), the Islamic Republic's Persianization may even seem more onerous and insulting than that of the Pahlavi shahs. This monograph attempts to fill a serious void in English-language scholarship about Iran's ethnic diversity.

In recent years, analysts have highlighted the role of cultural interests—ethnicity, religion, and ideology—in shaping conflict and alliances, suggesting that future international relations will be dominated by the clash of civilizations. This exploration focuses on the impact of culture on foreign policy in the geopolitically significant Caspian region, particularly among Islamic republics such as Iran, Taliban Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Contributors argue that, contrary to popular belief, culture is often less influential than other factors in determining these countries' foreign policies. For instance, Iran may pursue policies that contradict its official ideology without facing domestic backlash. Additionally, countries may align despite differing religious beliefs or cultural backgrounds, as seen in the trade and security cooperation between Christian Armenia and non-Christian Iran. The contributors assert that cultural identities are adaptable, allowing states to pursue diverse policies aligned with their material interests. Overall, the emerging foreign policies of the Caspian states challenge the culturalist perspective, suggesting that practical considerations often outweigh cultural affiliations in international relations.