Khomeinism

Key Takeaways

1. Khomeinism Was More Populist Than Religious Fundamentalism

The central thesis of this book is that "populism" is a more apt term for describing Khomeini, his ideas, and his movement because this term is associated with ideological adaptability and intellectual flexibility, with political protests against the established order, and with socioeconomic issues that fuel mass opposition to the status quo.

Redefining Revolutionary Ideology. Abrahamian argues that Khomeinism should not be understood through the narrow lens of religious fundamentalism, but as a flexible political movement expressing socioeconomic grievances. This perspective challenges conventional Western interpretations that viewed the movement as a simplistic religious uprising.

Ideological Flexibility. The populist approach allowed Khomeini to adapt his rhetoric and strategies to changing political circumstances. By focusing on economic and social issues rather than purely theological debates, he could mobilize diverse social groups and maintain broad-based support.

Strategic Political Messaging. Khomeini's approach involved:

• Targeting real economic and social grievances
• Using radical rhetoric borrowed from various ideological sources
• Presenting Islam as a liberating force for the oppressed
• Avoiding esoteric doctrinal discussions

2. Khomeini Strategically Transformed Shiism into a Political Ideology

He transformed Shiism from a conservative quietist faith into a militant political ideology that challenged both the imperial powers and the country's upper class.

Radical Reinterpretation. Khomeini broke sharply with traditional Shii traditions, borrowing radical rhetoric from diverse sources, including Marxism, to create a new political narrative that challenged existing power structures.

Political Innovation. By reinterpreting religious concepts, Khomeini:

• Challenged the apolitical nature of traditional Shiism
• Presented clergy as champions of social justice
• Used religious language to articulate revolutionary goals
• Attracted support from various ideological groups

Ideological Syncretism. The new ideology combined religious symbolism with populist economic critique, creating a unique political movement that transcended traditional religious boundaries.

3. Private Property and Middle-Class Interests Remained Paramount

Even while adopting radical themes, he remained staunchly committed to the preservation of middle-class property.

Economic Conservatism. Despite radical rhetoric, Khomeini consistently protected private property rights and middle-class economic interests. This approach distinguished his movement from purely revolutionary socialist ideologies.

Strategic Economic Positioning. Khomeini's economic philosophy:

• Respected private property as a "divine gift"
• Criticized wealth accumulation while protecting entrepreneurial interests
• Balanced populist language with conservative economic practices
• Attracted support from bazaar merchants and middle-class professionals

Pragmatic Economic Management. The approach allowed the Islamic Republic to maintain economic stability while presenting a revolutionary facade, ultimately creating a middle-class-oriented political system.

4. The Islamic Revolution Mobilized the Urban Poor and Middle Class

Khomeini succeeded in gaining power mainly because his public pronouncements carefully avoided esoteric doctrinal issues. Instead, they hammered away at the regime on its most visible political, social, and economic shortcomings.

Broad Social Mobilization. The revolution drew support from diverse urban social groups, particularly the urban poor, middle-class professionals, and bazaar merchants, by addressing tangible economic and social grievances.

Strategic Social Messaging. Khomeini's approach involved:

• Depicting society as divided between oppressors and oppressed
• Using inclusive language that transcended traditional class boundaries
• Promising economic justice and social transformation
• Appealing to multiple social strata simultaneously

Rhetorical Flexibility. By avoiding narrow theological discussions and focusing on socioeconomic issues, Khomeini created a broad-based revolutionary movement.

5. Khomeini's Rhetoric Evolved from Radical to Conservative

Khomeini, like populists the world over, modified his rhetoric depending on political circumstances.

Ideological Transformation. Khomeini's political discourse shifted from radical, class-based rhetoric to a more conservative, property-respecting approach as the revolution institutionalized.

Stages of Rhetorical Evolution:

• 1979-1982: Radical, anti-capitalist language
• 1982-1989: Emphasis on government stability and private property
• Gradual moderation of revolutionary rhetoric

Strategic Adaptation. This rhetorical shift allowed the movement to maintain support from different social groups while consolidating political power.

6. Conspiracy Theories Dominated Iranian Political Culture

Political polemics in Iran are replete with such terms as tuteah (plot), jasouz (spy), khianat (treason), vabasteh (dependent), khatar-e kharejeh (foreign danger).

Pervasive Paranoid Political Style. Conspiracy theories were deeply embedded in Iranian political discourse, cutting across various ideological groups and political movements.

Psychological Origins:

• Historical experience of imperial interventions
• Wide gap between state and society
• Complex foreign policy interactions
• Lack of transparent political processes

Consequences of Conspiratorial Thinking:

• Reduced political pluralism
• Increased political mistrust
• Facilitated political repression
• Hindered democratic development

7. Historical Narratives Were Manipulated to Serve Political Purposes

The Islamic Republic has certainly not treated history as bunk. Indeed, it has gone to considerable trouble — with somewhat unconventional means — to obtain the "historical truth."

Strategic Historical Reinterpretation. The regime systematically manipulated historical narratives to bolster its political legitimacy and delegitimize opponents.

Narrative Manipulation Techniques:

• Selective emphasis on specific historical moments
• Reinterpreting past events through ideological lenses
• Using historical figures as symbolic tools
• Creating heroic and villainous historical characters

Political Legitimacy Construction. By controlling historical narratives, the regime could present itself as the natural inheritor of revolutionary and anti-imperialist traditions.

8. May Day Became a Strategic Political Tool

May Day, although originally an imported tradition, has become over the years an integral part of the leftist tradition in Iran.

Political Appropriation of Labor Day. The Islamic Republic strategically co-opted May Day celebrations to neutralize leftist opposition and demonstrate revolutionary credentials.

Evolving May Day Celebrations:

• Initial inclusive, multi-group participation
• Gradual monopolization by the regime
• Reduction of radical demands
• Transformation into a controlled state event

Ideological Symbolism. May Day became a barometer of the regime's ideological moderation and political control.

9. The Revolution Gradually Moved Toward Economic Conservatism

Rafsanjani and Khamenei have implemented a full range of Thermidor-type policies: in the economy, in social matters, in the judiciary, and in foreign affairs.

Economic Liberalization. The regime progressively abandoned radical economic policies in favor of more market-oriented approaches.

Key Economic Shifts:

• Privatization of state-owned enterprises
• Opening to foreign investments
• Reduction of subsidies
• Encouragement of entrepreneurship

Pragmatic Economic Management. The leadership prioritized economic stability and growth over revolutionary ideological purity.

10. Religious Minorities and Diverse Social Groups Were Strategically Managed

The Islamic Republic, while detailing Modarres's activities in the final session of the fifth Parliament, prefers to ignore completely the Constituent Assembly.

Complex Minority Management. The regime developed nuanced strategies for handling religious and social diversity.

Minority Engagement Strategies:

• Selective inclusion and exclusion
• Rhetorical accommodation
• Strategic use of religious symbolism
• Manipulation of historical narratives

Political Pragmatism. The approach balanced ideological rhetoric with practical political considerations.

Last updated: March 3, 2025

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