In his book, Ali Gheissari and Vali Nasr look at the political history of Iran in the modern era, and offer and optimistic assessment of the prospects for democracy to flourish there.

Ali Gheissari is Adjunct Professor of History and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego. Vali Nasr is Professor of Middle East and South Asian Politics and Associate Chair of Research, Department of National Security Affairs, Naval Postgraduate School.