By oscillating between these two poles, Saikal posits that the regime has maintained an "illiberal pluralism" that allows it to neutralize threats and adapt to domestic and external pressures. Key Themes & Geopolitical Impact
Saikal notes that while the regime has survived, this survival has come at a high price for the Iranian people, who face economic hardship and social restrictions. Critical Reception Iran Rising - Army University Press Iran Rising: The Survival and Future of the Isl...
The text highlights how Iran navigated complex conflicts, including the Iran-Iraq War, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and more recent crises in Syria and Iraq. By oscillating between these two poles, Saikal posits
Saikal argues that the Islamic Republic's unexpected resilience stems from its unique "two-tier" governance system. He introduces a conceptual framework known as the paradigm to explain how the regime balances ideology with pragmatism: By oscillating between these two poles