Reviving the legacy: a contemporary perspective on Pahlavi’s and the shah of Iran’s dynasty

Pahlavism, which served as a philosophical foundation for the modernization of Iran under the Pahlavi dynasty (1925–1979), sought to centralize power, promote national identity, and drive socio-economic transformation. This study examines effects of Reza Shah Pahlavi’s modernization program on the formation of the Iranian government and identity and its impact on socio-economic structure. Using a qualitative research methodology, this paper employs historical and discursive analysis as a way of seeing how Pahlavism is still shaping the political discourses of today in Iran. Although Pahlavism facilitated state-led modernization and the development of basic infrastructure, it also faced criticism for political repression and curbs on civil liberties. Within the last few years, especially after 2022's "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement, there has been a revival in public discourse that re-evaluates the Pahlavi years. This research contributes to a more general debate on nationalism, governance, and historical memory in Iran by examining what newly casts itself as significant currents in contemporary socio-political argument.