Modernism and Pseudo-Patrimonialism. An Analysis of the State in the Pahlavi Era

 E. Towfigh

Abstract

This paper is a reading on the state formation and its restructuring during the constitutional era (the Pahlavi period) based on the post-colonial state theory. Upon presenting the theoretical framework, we will consider the structural change resulting from annexation of the semi-colonial Iran to the capitalistic world market. In other words, the effects of such an annexation on Iran’s political system would be examined. Then, we proceed by examining the condition under which such a state was formed, as well as the changing logic and crisis of the modern state mechanism in the Pahlavi era. Finally, we conclude by attempting to demonstrate the truthfulness of the following three propositions:

            1- Although the modern state was based intensively on a centralistic project, a project which opposed and denied the semi-colonial rule inherited by the old feudal system, but in the process of its transformation the modern state adopted a patrimonialistic character. This character was rooted in the employment of local powers which was based on old affiliations and loyalties between the Court-Army complexes.

            2- The initial patrimonialistic structure of the modern state made its endurance dependent on reproduction and renewal of the Court’s intercessional role between these tendencies: centralistic bureaucratic modernism and regional pseudo-traditional conservatism.

            3- The crisis of the modern state mechanism in the Pahlavi era was rooted in the inability of the Court in formalizing and institutionalizing this intercessional role. As a result we conclude that the Pahlavi regime was a pseudo-patrimonial one. Not only the tendency of Pahlavi kings to rule arbitrarily, but also was their fall the result of pseudo-patrimonialism, or deficient fulfillment of patrimonialism.

Key Concepts: Modernity’s Social Formation, Post-Colonial State, Strategic Groups, Semi-Colonial Sovereignty, Constitutional Discourse, Dictatorship of Development, the Great Civilization, the Rastaakhiz Party.

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