Presentist and perennialist perspectives: iranian nationalism as a case of study

Abstract

In this work, we aim to to provide a state-of the-art review of the different theorical perspectives on nationalism, with a specific focus on Iranian nationalism. Firstly, our analysis spans from studies that argue that the concept of nation is an element whose existence predates the Enlightenment and liberal revolutions, generally referred to as perennialists. Secondly, we will examine the viewpoints that consider nationalism to be an ideology implemented as a replacement for ancient forms of government, emerging in contemporary times. Given that this is a nationalism arising in a postcolonial context, we deem the analysis of these theorical approaches essential for our theorical framework. We will then proceed to the core of our work, reviewing these perspectives as they apply to the specific case of Iranian nationalism, from the theoretical perspectives we identify as presentist to those viewpoints we consider aligned with perennialist tendencies. The objective is to demonstrate the surpassing of perennialist approaches to Iranian nationalism by presentist perspectives. We believe that the influence of postcolonial thought has contributed to strengthening presentist arguments, which refute the conception of Iran as a millenial nation and demonstrate its creation for instrumental purposes and as a reaction against colonialism.