The end of the Qajar era in Iran, despite the accepted narrative of decline, was in fact an occasion of modern and forward-thinking nationalism. Iran developed an imperial nationalism, which was informed by its experiences under British and Russian hegemony and the absorption of Western modern ideas and practices, and which now looked towards a future as a sovereign and independent state within the foundational framework of its previous Empire. Emboldened by post-WWI notions of self-determination and the development of international institutions devoted to peace, Iran spearheaded its new-found diplomacy by sending a delegation to the peace talks in Paris in 1919.
This book shows how Iran’s immediate post-war diplomacy came about, the conduct of Iran’s delegation to Paris, frustrations with the Anglo-Persian Agreement, and ultimately how Iran’s progress became the victim of British imperialism. Throwing a spotlight on an under-researched period of Iranian history, it will be of interest to readers of Iranian history, and those interested in the Paris Peace Conference of 1919.
By:
Philip Grobien
Imprint: I.B. Tauris
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 234mm,
Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9780755651856
ISBN 10: 0755651855
Pages: 240
Publication Date: 25 July 2024
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
College/higher education
,
Undergraduate
,
Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Prologue: The Paris Peace Conference Acknowledgements Transliteration and Dates Abbreviations List of maps Introduction: Iran at the crossroads Conceptualizing Iran’s Outlook Imperial Nationalism Paris: Policies and personalities Historiography and sources Chapter 1: The nineteenth century, the Great Game and the squeezing of Iran Encounters and the advent of Russian confrontation Britain: a symbolic toe in the water Economic hegemony and the Qajar playbook Chapter 2: An Enlightenment Intellectual inheritance Direct action More contemporary foundations Occupation and war The question of International law Chapter 3: A new dawn Iran and the preparation for peace The delegation Foreign reaction to Iran’s delegation and plans The delegation goes to Paris Chapter 4: Springtime in Paris January and February March and April Controlling the narrative Chapter 5: The cauterisation of independence May The Triumvirate The Anglo-Persian Agreement June, July and August Criticism of the agreement Chapter 6: The persistence of Nosrat al-Dowleh Nosrat al-Dowleh Countering the narrative Squaring the circle Round two Russia and the endgame Conclusion: A reassessment Notes Appendix Bibliography Index
Philip Grobien holds a PhD from the University of St Andrews. His published work to date reflects his interest in the development of Iran’s territorial nationalism during the Qajar dynasty.
Reviews for Iran at the Paris Peace Conference: International Diplomacy and the Pursuit of Imperial Nationalism
The outcomes of the Iranian delegation’s participation at the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, albeit not meeting initial expectations, signifies a distinguished chapter in Iran’s diplomatic history. Their contributions illuminated both the wartime tribulations and their aspirations for Iran’s sovereign future. Philip Grobien's comprehensive study, while adeptly delineating the Iranian envoys’ pursuits, captures the post-war vibrant international zeitgeist. * Touraj Atabaki, Professor, International Institute of Social History, Netherlands *
