Meta-analysis of different approaches to the explanation of Iranian Despotism

Realization of reasons of dictatorship is the starting point for many Iranologists. This article by applying meta-analysis method, examines different approaches to the issue of " Iranian Despotism" and typologies it in several approaches such as cultural, political, international relations, psychological, sociological and synthetic approach. Accordingly some factors such as contradiction between tradition and modernity, patrimonial structure of power, lack of competition between state and other social forces, rentier feature of the state, shortage of political opportunity structures, global imperialism, and Asiatic mode of production are considered as the most important factors explaining the formation and continuation of dictatorship in Iran.