Demonstraties als vorm van politieke mobilisering in Iran

Samenvatting

In developing countries, demonstrations are often an important part of the political process. They may be used not only to undermine the system, but also to support it. Negative undermining demonstrations are those which have as their goal a change in the existing order. Positive undermining demonstrations are mounted to gain certain concessions from the government which could not be obtained through other methods. Positive system-supporting demonstrations are usually organized by the government; negative supporting demonstrations are used to rid the system of opposition. In Iran, the mobilization of the masses to demonstrate (usually in support of the Shah) is done by an elaborate patronage system. The strengthening of the Shah's position in 1953, through the overthrow of the Mossadegh government, was largely the result of demonstrations showing support of the monarchy. Opposition to reforms proposed by the Shah in 1963, was also dissipated by demonstrations. To a large extent, the viability of the Shah's power depends of the support given him by means of demonstrations. P. Tiersma.