Iranian politics and conservative/reformist conflict: Civil society and the state in contemporary Iran

Abstract

Do the results of recent elections herald the development of a more modern and open political system in Iran? Terence Duffy assesses the prospects for political change there. Terence Duffy argues that Iran's parliamentary elections of February 2000 are likely to further consolidate the process of political modernisation which was encouraged by the 1999 local elections. While conservative influences still exert considerable power in Iranian society, President Khatami's recent foreign policy successes have bolstered his support‐base at home. Khatami has been able to open discussions on civil society, and will continue to endorse a limited ‘reform process’ as long as conservative clerics maintain overwhelming control in Iranian society. However, as circumstances have not allowed Khatami to implement wide‐ranging governmental and social reforms, it is difficult to assess either the political direction or the long‐term aspirations underlying his ‘reform process’.