Abstract
This article looks at Iran's Tudeh Party and its relationship with the Soviet Communist Party from the 1930s to 1980s. Russia's extensive geographical border with Iran and the influence of Russian communism on Iranian migrant workers gave a special significance to Soviet policy towards Iran. Studying the history of Iran's Tudeh Party gives an insight into the role of Stalinism in the region, the negative effects of which are still visible today. This article will explore Soviet instructions to abandon communism for the sake of ‘the survival of the Socialist camp’; the dismantling of Iran's Communist Party in favour of a broad front (the Tudeh or Mass Party); the imposition of socialism from above after a military invasion; the condemnation of Mossadegh as a CIA agent and the Tudeh Party's inactivity during the CIA's coup in 1953. The article also discusses the rebellion of students and intellectuals, especially the Fedayeen, against the Tudeh Party and the shortcomings of their courageous, although ultimately unsuccessful, efforts.
Published Version
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