Autocracy, Modernization, and Revolution in Russia and Iran

A comparative examination of the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the Iranian Revolution of 1978, which underlines the dilemmas inherent in the efforts of autocratic monarchies to transform their countries into modern industrialized states.

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What did the Russian revolution of 1917 and the Iranian revolution of 1978-1979 share besides their drama? How can we compare a revolution led by Lenin with one inspired by Khomeini? How is a revolution based primarily on the urban working class similar to one founded to a significant degree on traditional groups like the bazaaris, small craftsmen, and religious students and preachers? Identifying a distinctive route to modernity--autocratic modernization--Tim McDaniel explores the dilemmas inherent in the efforts of autocratic monarchies in Russia and Iran to transform their countries into modern industrial societies.

Originally published in 1991.

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