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date: 17 October 2019

Abstract and Keywords

This article examines the life and thought of Ayatollah Khomeini (1902–1989). It begins by tracing his politicointellectual journey from quietism and constitutionalism, which are keys to understanding Khomeinism. It then discusses the development of Khomeinism, covering Khomeini as the radical revolutionary, the  vali-ye faqih , and the absolute  vali-ye faqih . The next section addresses Khomeini’s legacy by examining Khomeinism after his death. It argues that Khomeinism remains a dominant presence in current Iranian politics. The conclusion speculates on the conditions and possibility of post-Khomeinism.

Keywords: Iranian politics, Iran, quietism, constitutionalism, Khomeinism

Mojtaba Mahdavi

Mojtaba Mahdavi is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Alberta.

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