In this paper, with a historical-analytical approach based on the elite theory of Pareto and Mosca, we analyse the function of elites of the Pahlavi Era in Iran’s development. The elites of Iran during this era are classified into three categories: 1. that part of the governing elites which fundamentally were not in favour of the country’s development 2. those who supported reform and reconstruction 3. intellectual elites. The first group, who are referred to as anti-development elites, functioned as one of the main obstacles to development and thwarted the power of reformists. The second group was not successful in leading the country to harmonious and comprehensive development because of (a) their own characteristics and deficient functioning and (b) the unsuitable politicaleconomic structures and the sabotage caused by anti-development elites. Thirdly, the intellectuals were likewise hampered by the autocratic political structure, their alienation from the culture of the society and their one-dimensional view of development. The question this paper aims to answer is: what factors and attitudes led to the failure of the elites of the Pahlavi Era in the development process of Iran? The assumption of this article is that factors such as autocratic political structure, undeveloped culture, the interference of foreign countries in Iran’s affairs, the poor performance of kings and rulers, the destructive role of the world economic structure, and the operation of elites in reconstruction and development in a western way have all contributed to the failure of the elites of the Pahlavi Era in Iran’s development process.
Shahramnia, A. M. and Eskandari, M. (2010). The Inefficiency of Political Elites in Making E ective the Process of Development in Iran in the Pahlavi Era. Ganjine-ye Asnad, 20(1), 74-105.
MLA
Shahramnia, A. M. , and Eskandari, M. . "The Inefficiency of Political Elites in Making E ective the Process of Development in Iran in the Pahlavi Era", Ganjine-ye Asnad, 20, 1, 2010, 74-105.
HARVARD
Shahramnia, A. M., Eskandari, M. (2010). 'The Inefficiency of Political Elites in Making E ective the Process of Development in Iran in the Pahlavi Era', Ganjine-ye Asnad, 20(1), pp. 74-105.
CHICAGO
A. M. Shahramnia and M. Eskandari, "The Inefficiency of Political Elites in Making E ective the Process of Development in Iran in the Pahlavi Era," Ganjine-ye Asnad, 20 1 (2010): 74-105,
VANCOUVER
Shahramnia, A. M., Eskandari, M. The Inefficiency of Political Elites in Making E ective the Process of Development in Iran in the Pahlavi Era. Ganjine-ye Asnad, 2010; 20(1): 74-105.
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