Unravelling Iranian Nationalism: Historical Foundations, Contested Movements, and Contemporary Dynamics

• Název práce v češtině: Zkoumání iránského nacionalismu: Historické základy, soupeřící hnutí a současná dynamika
• Název v anglickém jazyce: Unravelling Iranian Nationalism: Historical Foundations, Contested Movements, and Contemporary Dynamics
• Klíčová slova: iránský nacionalismus; národní identita v Iránu; moderní iránské dějiny; politický diskurz v Iránu; myšlenkové základy iránského nacionalismu; iránská nacionalistická ideologie
• Klíčová slova anglicky: Iranian Nationalism; National Identity in Iran; Iranian Political Thought; Modern Iranian History; Political Discourse in Iran; Intellectual Foundations of Iranian Nationalism; Iranian Nationalist Ideology
• Akademický rok vypsání: 2022/2023
• Typ práce: bakalářská práce
• Jazyk práce: angličtina
• Ústav: Katedra politologie (23-KP)
• Vedoucí / školitel: Mgr. Jakub Franěk, Ph.D.
• Řešitel: skrytý - zadáno vedoucím/školitelem
• Datum přihlášení: 15.09.2023
• Datum zadání: 26.04.2024

Zásady pro vypracování

BA Thesis Proposal by Pouran Sepavhand

Unravelling Iranian Nationalism: Historical Foundations, Contested Movements, and Contemporary Dynamics


Introduction
The aim of the proposed BA thesis is to explore the current new wave of nationalism in Iran and to shed light on the evolving socio-political landscape in the country. This topic is highly relevant to the field as it addresses a contemporary phenomenon with significant regional stability and global geopolitics implications. With the rise of nationalism impacting Iran’s domestic politics and international relations, understanding this phenomenon’s roots, dynamics, and manifestations becomes crucial for scholars, policymakers, and analysts alike.

In this proposal, we aim to explore a relatively uncharted phenomenon within the context of Iranian nationalism. While a considerable amount of literature has been written on various aspects of Iranian nationalism, the current wave of nationalism has not yet received the attention it deserves. Our primary objective is to explore this phenomenon particularly, shedding light on its unique characteristics and significance. To achieve this, we will situate it within the broader context of the history of Iranian nationalism that has been extensively studied as well as, situating this political movement within its political context today. The added value of this study lies in its comprehensive approach, incorporating a multi-dimensional analysis of the topic. The research will draw from diverse data sources, including various social networks, political speeches, and media coverage to ensure a more nuanced understanding of the new wave of nationalism, considering both official narratives and the sentiments of the general populace, as well as the rich and paradoxical history of this movement.

However, it is essential to acknowledge its potential limitations. The complexity of nationalism as a socio-political phenomenon may pose challenges in encapsulating its entirety within a relatively brief BA thesis. Therefore, the study will focus on key aspects, aiming for depth rather than breadth. Additionally, accessing relevant data may be challenging due to potential difficulties in conveying all the subtleties of the cultural context, restricted access to classified documents, limitations in more recent studies, or the topic's sensitive nature in a politically charged environment. The study will mitigate these limitations by leveraging language skills, and utilizing publicly available and declassified information to ensure a rigorous and comprehensive analysis within the given constraints.

Literature review
The existing literature on the new wave of nationalism in Iran provides some valuable insights into the broad contours of this phenomenon. While the recent upheaval in Iran shows a resurgence of nationalist sentiments in Iran, scholars have often examined its roots in historical narratives, socio-political developments, and responses to external pressures (Ansari,2015). A telling example is the use of the term “Aryan” race that is very much ubiquitous in Iran and considered to be a meaningful signifier while it is an imported term from Europe that was more about how the people preferred to be perceived by foreign powers than any actual historical accuracy(Zia-Ebrahimi, 2011), In fact the way Iranians choose to perceive themselves continues to be affected by their relation with the West. Moreover, various studies have explored how the new wave of nationalism intersects with religious identity, especially the Shiite Islamism (Alinejad, 2022). In general one can safely say that nationalism in Iran is not a monolithic force but rather a complex and multifaceted set of ideologies and sentiments that has been shaped and reshaped during the 20th century(Abrahamian, 2021) and this process, with its many facets and influences, continues to this day.

However, a significant gap exists in the depth of analysis regarding the specific manifestations, drivers, and consequences of this new wave of nationalism. This is exacerbated by the fact that the new movement positions itself against the current regime and is, therefore, unable to be active in open societal venues. For example, the literature has not sufficiently addressed the nuances of nationalist narratives in different segments of Iranian society, how these narratives are shaped, or how these narratives clash and affect different aspects of recent political factors such as the feminist movement. Overall, the formation of this movement, as well as its official ideology and practices, has gone understudied in recent years.

Research question and hypothesis

1. How were the ideas of nation and nationalism in Iran formed? What were the influences?
2. what are the contesting views of nationalism, and how has it sipped into and shaped different movements in Iran?
3. What is the ideology of the new nationalist movement in Iran? How does this ideology relate to different factors in today’s socio-political factors in Iran?
4. Why does this movement incorporate this particular form of nationalism?
5. How is the new movement different from the old and contemporary movements?


The historical formation of ideas surrounding nation and nationalism in Iran can be traced to a complex interplay of socio-cultural, historical, and geopolitical influences. The synthesis of ancient Persian identity, Islamic values, and responses to external pressures has contributed to the unique construction of Iranian nationalism. This study posits that an in-depth examination of the historical trajectory will reveal the interconnectedness of cultural, religious, and geopolitical factors in shaping the ideas of nation and nationalism in Iran.

Furthermore, the history of nationalist movements in Iran is characterized by a nuanced interplay of contesting views, ranging from ethnocultural perspectives to ideological interpretations. The hypothesis suggests that exploring these diverse narratives will unveil the complex and multifaceted nature of Iranian nationalism, illustrating how it has permeated and shaped various movements in the country over time. By delving into primary sources, historical accounts, and ideological debates, the study aims to elucidate the contested nature of nationalism and its role in different political and social movements in Iran.

Regarding the characteristics of the new nationalist sentiment and its relation to different political factors, this study hypothesizes that contemporary Iranian nationalism is undergoing a transformation influenced by socio-political dynamics. The emergence of a new wave of nationalism will likely be intricately connected to geopolitical shifts, domestic political developments, and responses to perceived external threats. By employing a mixed-methods approach that integrates qualitative analysis of political discourse and quantitative examination of public opinion, the research aims to uncover the distinct characteristics of this evolving nationalist sentiment and its complex relationship with various political factors in Iran.

The Proposed Method
The proposed methodology for this thesis, involves a comprehensive discourse analysis to investigate the formation of ideas surrounding nation and nationalism in Iran, the history of nationalist movements, and the characteristics of the new nationalist sentiment. Our approach will be informed by my own discovery of it, which necessitates a comprehensive examination of the movement's primary sources and materials. To contextualize and gain a deeper understanding of the discourse, we will also focus on situating the movement within the broader discourse relevant to the field. This triangulated approach will enable us to conduct a thorough analysis and provide valuable insights into the movement's discourse, its significance, and its relationship with the broader discourse.

This study's primary sources for analysis will include political speeches, media narratives, and ideological texts. Through the systematic examination of these sources, the study aims to identify patterns, discursive structures, and linguistic markers that contribute to the construction of nationalist ideas over time. Given the highly sensitive and outlawed status of the political discourse in Iran, accessing traditional primary sources for the study of the new movement presents significant challenges. As a result, our methodology relies on an innovative approach that involves the collection and analysis of primary sources from social media platforms. In an environment where open political discourse is restricted, social media has emerged as a critical medium for individuals to express their views, engage in discussions, and share information. We will draw upon these social media platforms to gather primary source material, such as posts, comments, and discussions related to the political discourse under investigation. This unconventional but essential approach enables us to access and analyse the viewpoints, narratives, and sentiments of individuals within the restricted political landscape of Iran, thus contributing valuable insights to our research.

The discourse analysis will also explore contested views on nationalism, examining how different social and political groups in Iran have conceptualized and contested the notion. This method allows for a nuanced understanding of how language shapes and reflects the development of nationalist ideas, providing valuable insights into the historical evolution and contemporary dynamics of nationalism in the Iranian context. The use of discourse analysis aligns with the qualitative nature of the research questions, offering a rich and context-specific exploration of the complex interplay between language, ideology, and the construction of nationalist narratives in Iran.

Proposed Structure of the Thesis
Title: Unravelling Iranian Nationalism: Historical Foundations, Contested Movements, and Contemporary Dynamics


• Introduction

• Chapter 1: Methodology
Discourse Analysis
Explain the rationale for choosing discourse analysis as the primary methodology especially considering the importance of understanding this movement within the political and social context.
Provide a detailed description of the data sources, including historical documents, political speeches, media narratives, and ideological texts.
Reasons why these particular sources were chosen especially with regards to the social media
Discuss the process of data collection and analysis.

• Chapter 2: Formation of Ideas on Nation and Nationalism in Iran and its political trajectory
Define key concepts such as nation and nationalism.
Explore the historical and cultural influences on the formation of Iranian national identity.
Analyse the synthesis of Persian identity, Islamic values, and responses to external pressures.
History of Nationalist Movements in Iran.
Trace the historical trajectory of nationalist movements in Iran.
Examine contesting views on nationalism, including ethnocultural and ideological perspectives.
Investigate how nationalism has shaped various political and social movements in Iran.

• Chapter 3: The new nationalist movement
Characteristics of the New Nationalist Sentiment.
Introduce the contemporary context of Iranian nationalism.
Explore the distinctive characteristics of the new wave of nationalism.
Analyse the relationship between the new nationalist sentiment and different political factors.
Present the results of the discourse analysis.
Discuss patterns, discursive structures, and linguistic markers in historical and contemporary discourse.
Relate the historical foundations to the modern dynamics of Iranian nationalism.

• Conclusion
Summarize the essential findings and their contributions to understanding Iranian nationalism.
Reflect on the broader significance of the research. Suggest avenues for future research on the topic.

Keywords
Iranian Nationalism; National Identity in Iran; Iranian Political Thought; Modern Iranian History; Political Discourse in Iran; Intellectual Foundations of Iranian Nationalism; Iranian Nationalist Ideology

Literature
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