Towards the Great Civilization

The rewards and ravages of time, and the trove of new archival material available for the first time have together begotten a veritable revisionism in the history of Iran’s encounter with modernity and the pivotal role of the two Pahlavi monarchs in that encounter. If Mohammed Reza Shah’s Answer to History was written when he had tasted the “bitter bread of banishment,” his Towards a Great Civilization was bathed in the triumphalism of a king at the height of power and accomplishments. A welcome addition to the plethora of Pahlaviana. * Abbas Milani, Professor, Stanford University, USA * This new translation offers a fresh look at the Shah’s vision during the pivotal late 1960s and early 1970s—a defining period in modern Iranian history and monarchy. It provides an opportunity to revisit the core ideas that shaped his political philosophy, including views on global politics, economic strategy, and environmental protection. This updated perspective on the text enhances our understanding of the Shah’s era, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the Pahlavi period. * Dr Liora Hendelman-Baavur, Director of the Alliance Center for Iranian Studies, Tel Aviv University, Israel * Robert Steele has produced a splendid edition of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s remarkable and revealing self-justificatory book, full of confidence about the future of Iran and its status as a world civilization, characterised by perpetual improvement through a happy union between shah and people. As a study in political failure and delusion it is a must-read, while also saying so much about the Iran that was lost. * Richard Whatmore, Professor of Modern History, University of St Andrews, UK *