The Military in Post-Revolutionary Iran

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, also known as the 'Sepah', has wielded considerable and increasing power in Iran in recent decades. Established in 1979 as a paramilitary organisation to protect the nascent Islamic regime and counter the untrustworthy Imperial army, the Sepah has evolved into one of the most powerful political, ideological, military and economic players in Iran over recent years. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the Sepah and its role in Iranian state and society. Contemporary Iran can only be fully understood by an awareness of ongoing in-fighting among regime factions and increasing popular demands for social change – knowing about the Sepah is central to this.