Professor of International Relations in Department of Political and International Relations, University of Oxford
Abstract
This article sketches parameters of the emerging political economy of Iran. It starts with a critical discussion of theoretical and methodological issues involved in the analysis of political economy suggesting modifications of the mainstream "rational-choice" model along the way. In order to comprehensively capture political-economic trends, it is argued, one needs to discuss the whole cycle of agents involved in the political and economic process including the marginalized strata of society. Such an "ascending" perspective ensures, that analysts are better equipped to assess analytically the effects of the implementation of the "20 years vision" for Iran's future economic development.
