1. Modernity and challenges to traditional societies Preventing materialism There is something special I have observed about the Iranian constitution. The special mention of not believing in the material aspects of life. Going slightly deeper, It entrust person to put himself for the true purpose of religion and use it as a way to live life. Under the same preamble, constitution identifies clergy as the purest & highest form of Islam. Well, if I put myself in the place of common man than in today's world one needs technical gadgets, good house and other material wealth for living life. Everyone wants to live a better life, slightly against the traditional beliefs of sacrificing oneself for the sake of religion. I believe, this is one of the biggest challenge for the traditional societies. Believing in oneself, even above the society The way I observe the week 5 lecture, it gave me a sense of bonding among different people in the society. To make it easier for you, it is sort of socialist model existed among the citizens. Islamic revolution and Iran-Iraq war has strengthened this close-knit bonding. Even Iranian economic structure was socialist initially, but slowly slowly I could see the rise of capitalism. The rise of capitalism and the break of socialist model can be reflected in the society too. Even today, some people are more powerful in Iran than others. I cannot justify it due to lack of facts about Iran, but in my view, rise of individualism where person think about himself first after wards the society is going to present formidable challenges to traditional structure of Iran. Emulation of the progress in globalized world Although, many efforts have been made to prevent western influence in Iran, it happened in another ways. People in northern Iran are still living nomadic life, but how long is the question. Because, presently it is very difficult to close eyes towards development happening in other parts of the world. Development of new technology, rise in the living standard just do not go well with the traditional way of living. Emulation of such developments possess threat to the traditional way of living. Challenges Iran face from 19th century onwards and their relationship with modernity Supremacy of religion, lack of institutional structure and lack of transparency Anyone following the course can easily the supremacy of religion in Iran. We have seen that all the other alternative voice have been sidelined. I could draw analogy with the fall of Ottoman empire from week 4, when giving power to religious institutions has weakened the entire governing structure. Giving supremacy to the religious organization might undermine the legitimacy of democratic institution ultimately resulting in the slow growth and disturbance in the society. This in turn also leave institutional structure in Iran ineffective to execute their work. As we have seen in the lectures, corruption is rising in Iran and also the dominance of foundations on state economy is creating lot of income inequality in the society. Young generation, their aspirations and conflict with old school of thoughts Today is 2014, already a new generation has been born in Iran. These young people have no idea about the Islamic revolution, Iran-Iraq war and sacrifices made by their ancestors. They want to live a good life, like to get jobs after finishing their education like their counterparts in other parts of the world. They may find this entire past too difficult to digest, with no connection to their present life. In the interconnected world, where just with a click of mouse, we can get everything in front of our computer

2. screen, young people too do not want to stay behind. Iran has to find ways to find ways to fulfill the aspirations of these young generation. Foreign relations in 21st century and their impact on Iranian Economy Iran has Asia's 4th largest UNESCO world heritage sites1 , yet its tourism industry is largely underdeveloped. Except Defense, many of the Iranian industries lack technological level to compete in the global markets. Troubled international relations of Iran & negative image in other nations can be the biggest reasons despite having so much potential of growth. Events in modern Iranian history and their role in the success of Islamic Revolution In my view, the most effective events were the ones which united the clergy, merchants and local population against the monarchy. They might not be presented in the same order as they occurred. Development of Iranian National Movement in early 20th century I see, this is the earliest revolution powerful enough against the Monarch king. Tobacco was the great source of revenue for Merchants as well as it formed an important part of life to normal Iranian. Giving rights to British company was an intrusion in the personal life of Iranian people. It has created bonding between clergies and merchants. Issuing of Fatwa against consumption of Tobacco, and formation of Majlis (Parliament) were the significant achievements of this revolution. Political liberalization after the world war II Although World War II did not bring any positive results for Iran, but in the form of political space, it was a good time. Political liberation under the DE-facto government has led to the generation of ideas, discussions about the true identities of Iran. The political space slowly slowly became more nationalized with a demand to get more revenues from the oil, giving less profit to foreign powers. White Revolution The white revolution was the package of social and legal reforms. Land reforms were based on the forcible purchase of land form owners, compensated by Oil money. Shah wanted to distribute money to everyone, which never worked out well. Increasing corruption made rich more richer and poor more poorer. Promotion of western ideas did not go well with traditional sections of the Iranian society. Ultimately, the white revolution created lot of problems which Shah wanted to avoid himself. Reference 1 http://en.wikipedia.org/Iran 2 Lecture notes by Professor Ebrahim Afsah, Faculty of Law, University of Copenhagen