Structural Analysis of U.S. Political and Security Influence in the Pahlavi Monarchy

Document Type : Iran's political issues

Authors

1 University of Shahrekord

2 Kharazmi University

3 University of Tehran

Abstract

Introduction: Understanding the dynamics of power in monarchical systems requires an examination of their internal mechanisms and their external relations with international powers. During the Pahlavi era, the concentration of power within the monarchy, alongside the expanding influence of the United States in political, security, and military domains, shaped a unique pattern of dependency and susceptibility in Iran's governance structure.
Research Problem: The central issue of this study is to elucidate the intertwining of internal power consolidation and the multifaceted American influence on the decision-making structure of the Pahlavi regime. This paper seeks to demonstrate how this connection, rather than strengthening the regime's authority, led it to face crises of legitimacy and efficiency, resulting in a structural paradox: a regime that appeared powerful but was, in practice, devoid of the capacity for independent action in the face of both internal and external pressures.
Methodology: This research employs a qualitative (descriptive-analytical) approach and a historical sociology framework, gathering data from library sources and analyzing them within the conceptual framework of a "permeable and closed state."
Findings: The findings show that American influence was not confined to the political sphere but was also intricately woven with complex forms of security and military presence. This multilayered influence, combined with the closure of power structures, not only weakened decision-making independence but also deepened the government-society divide, playing a decisive role in the fragility of the governance structure. Therefore, studying the structural influence of external forces in the context of closed states can offer valuable insights into the political and security inefficiencies of regimes.

Keywords

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State Studies of Contemporary Iran
Volume 11, Issue 1
April 2025
Pages 137-165

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History

  • Receive Date: 05 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 13 April 2025
  • Accept Date: 13 April 2025
  • Publish Date: 21 April 2025

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