Definitions
Patrick H. O'Neil's "Essentials of Comparative Politics" offers helpful definitions through the lens of comparative politics for an extensive list of terms. Terms most frequently throughout the site used appear here.
Democracy
"Political power exercised either directly or indirectly by the people through participation, competition, and liberty.” (O’Neil, 142)
Legitimacy
"A value whereby an institution is accepted by the public as right and proper, thus giving it authority and power" (O'Neil, A-17). Also applies to people. There are three types of legitimacy: Traditional legitimacy ("because it has always been that way" [O'Neil, 44]), Charismatic legitimacy ("individuals who can move and persuade the public through ideas and the manner in which they present them" [O'Niel, 45]), and Rational-legal legitimacy ("a system of laws and procedures that are presumed to be neutral or rational" [O'Neil, 45]).
Institution
"An organization or activity that is self perpetuating and valued for its own sake." (O'Neil, A-18)
Formal Institutions "based on officially sanctioned rules that are relatively clear"
Informal Institutions "unwritten and unofficial, but no less powerful as a result"
(O'Neil, 20)
List Title
The following articles were used for this assignment and/or the portfolio
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"How Deep Is Iran's State? The Battle Over Khamenei's Successor" By ALEX VATANKA, Sanam Vakil and Hossein Rassam
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"The Military and the State in Iran" By Hesam Forozan and Afshin Shahi
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"Faltering Legitimacy: The Ruling Clerics and Civil Society in Contemporary Iran" By Ali Banuazizi
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"Emerging Civil Society in Iran" By Hooshang Amirahmadi
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"Crafting a National Identity Amidst Contentious Politics in Contemporary Iran" By Farideh Farhi
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"The Challenge of Ethnicity and Identity Politics" from "Iran's Political, Demographic, and Economic Vulnerabilities" By Keith Crane, Rollie Lal and Jeffrey Martini
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"Iran's Struggle for Democracy" By Nasser Momayesi
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"Democracy and the Politics of Parliamentary Elections in Iran" By Abbas Milani and Michael McFaul
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And other course readings