ABSTRACT
One of the most important distinguishing features of the 1979 Iranian revolution was its comparatively enormous popular base. Contrary to Theda Skocpol's prognostications, the Iranian revolution occurred in an affluent and powerful state that had undergone no significant financial or international crises. The preconditions of the successful Iranian revolution of 1979 will be compared to Iran's present condition, in which a revolutionary movement has not, as yet, arisen. Shortly after the revolution, in search of self-sufficiency, the Iranian government nationalized a vast proportion of Iran's large-scale industries, as well as banking and insurance. The decline in the price of oil and Iran's massive debt burden has further damaged the economy. Underlying Iran's economic deterioration has been the country's exploding population. The United Nations (UN) Human Rights Commission has estimated the number of Iran's political prisoners as standing at 19,000, suggesting that the Islamic Republic is one of the most repressive regimes in the world.
