The Great Satan vs. the Mad Mullahs: How the United States and Iran Demonize Each Other (Paperback)

by William O. Beeman (Author, Preface)
Key Phrases: chief jurisprudent, mad mullahs, foreign policy myth, United States, Great Satan, Islamic Republic (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"[Beeman] is more interested in informing the reader than in impressing his peers. The other strength of the book lies in the author's knowledge of Iranian history and culture. . . . It challenges the reader and forces him to question stereotypes about Iran and Washington's perspective on the country."-Abbas William Samii, Middle East Journal (Abbas William Samii Middle East Journal )

"If you want to know why we are so ignorant about the United States-Iran relations, read this book. Never before has the mutual demonization between these two governments been so systematically described and analyzed from an anthropological perspective."-R. K. Ramazani, University of Virginia (R. K. Ramazani )

"William Beeman's analysis of dissonant perceptions of Iran and the USA is compelling and important. . . . I am particularly grateful for this work."-James Peacock, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (James Peacock )

Product Description

 

For more than twenty-five years, the United States and Iran have been diplomatically estranged, each characterizing the other not only as a political adversary, but also as devious, threatening, and essentially evil. According to William O. Beeman’s provocative book, The “Great Satan” vs. the “Mad Mullahs,” such demonization is a self-fulfilling prophecy, as both countries have embraced exactly the policies and rhetoric that would particularly threaten or insult the other. Drawing on his experience as a linguistic anthropologist, Beeman parses how political leaders have used historical references, religious associations, and the mythology of evil to inflame their own citizens against the foreign country, and proposes a way out of this dangerous debacle.
 
“William Beeman’s analysis of dissonant perceptions of Iran and the USA is compelling and important. . . . I am particularly grateful for this work.”—James Peacock, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
 
“[Beeman] is more interested in informing the reader than in impressing his peers. The other strength of the book lies in the author’s knowledge of Iranian history and culture. . . . It challenges the reader and forces him to question stereotypes about Iran and Washington’s perspective on the country.”—Abbas William Samii, Middle East Journal

 

 

 

See all Editorial Reviews

---

Product Details Paperback: 320 pages Publisher: University Of Chicago Press (April 15, 2008) Language: English ISBN-10: 0226041476 ISBN-13: 978-0226041476 Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #836,935 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Surprise Me!

Search Inside This Book:

---

Inside This Book (learn more)

Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
chief jurisprudent, mad mullahs, foreign policy myth, clerical regime, former shah

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
United States, Great Satan, Islamic Republic, Middle East, Saddam Hussein, Ayatollah Khomeini, President Bush, Reza Shah, World War, Saudi Arabia, The Sins of Iran, Imam Hossein, The Birth of Postmodern Conflict, Guardian Council, Soviet Union, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Iranian Revolution, Persian Gulf, President George, Images of the Mad Mullah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Los Angeles, Mohammad Khatami, Prophet Mohammad, Gulf War

Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Surprise Me!

Search Inside This Book:

---

Suggested Tags from Similar Products  (What's this?) Be the first one to add a relevant tag (keyword that's strongly related to this product). Check a corresponding box or enter your own tags in the field below. iran(39) iraq(8) middle east(14) iranian politics(8) cia(7) baer(6) international security(6) lebanon(5) history(10) politics(10) iranian history and culture(5) Your tags: Add your first tag

Search Products Tagged with   See most popular tags

Help others find this product — tag it for Amazon search

No one has tagged this product for Amazon search yet. Why not be the first to suggest a search for which it should appear?

---

Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store

If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store. Learn more

---

 

Customer Reviews

8 Reviews 5 star:  (7) 4 star:    (0) 3 star:    (0) 2 star:    (0) 1 star:  (1)           Average Customer Review 4.5 out of 5 stars (8 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 12 of 18 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars A fine analysis of the subject and a refreshing approach to the study of international relations, February 18, 2006 By  Matteo Legrenzi (St. Antony's College, Oxford) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    This review is from: The "Great Satan" vs. the "Mad Mullahs": How the United States and Iran Demonize Each Other (Hardcover) This is an excellent book. The author has a deep understanding of both American and Iranian culture. He argues persuasively that the conflict between Iran and the United States centers not on substantive differences but on symbolic discourse. In other words, he shows how ideology plays an important part in the formulation of both Iranian and American foreign policy. The only caveat, as someone who studies American policy towards the states on the `other shore' of the Gulf, is that sometimes, in order to purport a symmetry in American and Iranian attitudes, the author overestimates the systemic nature of the communication problems between the two countries. A bona fide effort was exerted towards the end of the Clinton administration to break through the wall of incommunicability between the two nations. It is unfortunate that that particular occasion was missed, as was a parallel one being carried out with North Korea, and the situation is now very dangerous indeed. We assist at the `preparing of the ground' by op-ed writers and other neo-conservative pundits for possible military action against Iran. At a broader level, irrespective of the subject matter of the book, what is amazing for a student of international relations is the level of insight to be gained by a judicious application of anthropology to the study of the bilateral relations of two states. The author, without entering the choppy waters and the tired controversies of International Relations theory, manages to illuminate the systemic nature of the rivalry between Iran and the United States. This approach could be fruitfully applied to many other disputes around the globe. The book is literally peppered with incredibly interesting observations about the nature of diplomacy in today's world and the importance of communication in the conduct of international relations. Each of them could be fruitfully expanded in a self-standing line of research and could be applied to other international disputes. All of this is written in a clear, jargon-free way that would put to shame many IR specialists (as well as some anthropologists). Even outside the boundaries of academia an educated lay reader can truly enjoy this book. Overall, this is a really good book. It is certainly necessary reading for anyone interested in American and Iranian foreign policy. However, it is also to be recommended to scholars of international relations who do not focus on the Middle East because of its refreshing approach to the study of international politics. Finally, any concerned individual who is following current events would gain a lot by reading it. 9 of 14 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars A Most Important Book , September 28, 2005 By  Don Weadon (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews This review is from: The "Great Satan" vs. the "Mad Mullahs": How the United States and Iran Demonize Each Other (Hardcover) Bill Beeman's new book, Great Satan vs. Mad Mullahs, How the United States and Iran Demonize Each Other, is one of the most important books published this year. In light of the pressing policy issues of the US-Iran impasse on nuclear energy, his book is decidedly on point in the evaluation of the Iranian response to U.S. rhetoric and punitive diplomatic maneuvering. In his informed and perceptive analysis, Beeman demonstrates how Iranian argument and expository patterns, while culturally determined, evoke an essential desire for self-respect. And regardless of Iran's economic ties or future petroleverage, it is a message which has found a significant following among many nations. For those Americans (and Iranians) who desire a thorough, dispassionate and perceptive understanding of how our two nations are incapable of understanding one another, and how real communications can begin, this book is essential reading. It provides a world of understanding of two important cultures and their communications challenges. Don Weadon 7 of 12 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars A breath of fresh air, March 7, 2006 By  TenorFrank (CA) - See all my reviews This review is from: The "Great Satan" vs. the "Mad Mullahs": How the United States and Iran Demonize Each Other (Hardcover) Beeman's book hits the nail on the head: The US and Iran should be seeking common interests instead of demonizing one another. This is a passionate analysis by someone who really knows both countries. Michael Rubin's review reveals him as a neo-con desperate to discredit Beeman, using ungentlemanly and anti-intellectual hyperbole. When he claims that there is nothing congruent to Iran's cry of "Death to America," he is conveniently forgetting about the Axis of Evil speech.		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars Why isn't Condoleezza Rice Reading This Book? In the past few days the rhetoric between Iran and the United States has escalated once again. If Condoleezza Rice had read this book, she might not be able to stop this madness,... Read more Published on March 9, 2006 by Tedd L. 5.0 out of 5 stars Obviously hit a nerve with the neocons Beeman's book deserves to be read by everyone who cares about the United States and its absurd and debilitating war of words with Iran. Read more Published on March 7, 2006 by Sascha Lewis 1.0 out of 5 stars The "Great Satan" vs. the "Mad Mullahs," In The "Great Satan" vs. the "Mad Mullahs," Brown University anthropologist Beeman laments that the "cultural dynamics" of the U.S. Read more Published on March 7, 2006 by Michael Rubin 5.0 out of 5 stars The Most Important Book on U.S.-Iranian Relations I heard Professor Beeman on National Public Radio and was deeply impressed with his understanding of Iranian culture. Read more Published on November 6, 2005 by Darioush Irandoust 5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! How did something so good on U.S.-Iranian relations ever get published! I was becoming sick to death of the nonsense published on Iran until I read this great book--a true diamond among many lumps of coal. Read more Published on September 27, 2005 by Armand Belmont Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

---

Customer Discussions

 Beta (What's this?)

New! See all customer communities, and bookmark your communities to keep track of them.

This product's forum (0 discussions)   Discussion Replies Latest Post   No discussions yet Ask questions, Share opinions, Gain insight Start a new discussion Topic: First post: Receive e-mail when new posts are made Prompts for sign-in   [Cancel] Guidelines Active discussions in related forums   Discussion Replies Latest Post politics Newtok, Alaska could use a visit from S. Smith 14 1 minute ago politics Energy Survey for Patriots and Socialists... 0 2 minutes ago religion Hey, Theists, why do you find the notion(s) of "evidence" and of "proof" so troubling? 1764 3 minutes ago history Most important drug user? Why? 8233 5 minutes ago history Recommend a History book! 73 13 minutes ago religion Spiritual Growth?? 194 44 minutes ago textbook Textbooks for Kindle DX? 40 15 hours ago

The History community Latest activity 34 minutes ago 19,404 customers have contributed 25,568 products, 664 discussions and more... › Explore the community The Religion community Latest activity 2 minutes ago 13,070 customers have contributed 14,265 products, 1,023 discussions and more... › Explore the community The Politics community Latest activity 13 minutes ago 10,619 customers have contributed 8,655 products, 1,023 discussions and more... › Explore the community Related forums history (664 discussions) politics (1023 discussions) religion (1023 discussions) textbook (16 discussions) Explore more › See all Customer Communities › Your communities

---

Product Information from the Amapedia Community

Beta (What's this?)

Be the first person to add an article about this item at Amapedia.com.

› See featured Amapedia.com articles

---

Listmania!

Making Sense of the Middle East: Looking Beneath 9/11: A list by Ed Uyeshima   My favorite literary novels: A list by Nancy Schleifer   Books that Tell Great Stories: A list by Sarah Caldwell Create a Listmania! list

Search Listmania!

---

So You'd Like to...

See Vali Nasr's 10 Books to Read on Iran: A guide by Amazon.com Bookstore   Understand the 21st century: A guide by mir_dc   Build a Great Library, Part I: Classics and Poetry: A guide by Gregory Baird Create a guide

Search Guides

---

Look for Similar Items by Category

• Books > History > Americas > United States
• Books > New & Used Textbooks > Humanities > History > United States
• Books > New & Used Textbooks > Humanities > Religious Studies
• Books > New & Used Textbooks > Social Sciences > Anthropology
• Books > New & Used Textbooks > Social Sciences > Political Science > International Relations
• Books > Nonfiction > Politics > International > Relations
• Books > Nonfiction > Social Sciences > Anthropology > Cultural
• Books > Nonfiction > Social Sciences > Political Science
• Books > Nonfiction > Social Sciences > Sociology
• Books > Nonfiction > Social Sciences > Special Groups > Ethnic Studies
• Books > Religion & Spirituality

---

Avon: Free Shipping Get free shipping on all Avon orders of $25 or more. Shop Avon's award-winning makeup, skin care, bath & body items, and more. ›Shop Avon now

Best Books of 2008 Find our top 100 editors' picks as well as customers' favorites in dozens of categories in our Best Books of 2008 Store.

Buy Three Books, Get a Fourth Free Order any four eligible books under $10 and get the lowest-price book free in our 4-for-3 Books Store. See more details.

Xantrex Renewable-Energy ProductsA world leader in advanced electronics, Xantrex offers products that are smarter, cleaner, lighter, quieter, and easier to maintain than other power sources.

Ad feedback

 

Feedback If you need help or have a question for Customer Service, contact us.  Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? Is there any other feedback you would like to provide? Your comments can help make our site better for everyone. Please note that we are unable to respond directly to all feedback submitted via this form, but we'll ask you to sign in so we can contact you if needed.

Where's My Stuff? Track your recent orders. View or change your orders in Your Account. Shipping & Returns See our shipping rates & policies. See FREE shipping information. Return an item (here's our Returns Policy). Need Help? Forgot your password? Buy gift cards. Visit our Help department.

Your Recent History

  (What's this?)

You have no recently viewed items or searches. After viewing product detail pages or search results, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. Look to the right column to find helpful suggestions for your shopping session.	Continue shopping: Top Sellers Paranoia by Joseph Finder 4.1 out of 5 stars (195)$0.00 My Soul to Lose by Rachel Vincent 4.2 out of 5 stars (4)$0.00 Glenn Beck's Common Sense by Glenn Beck 3.7 out of 5 stars (274)$6.59 Glenn Beck's Common Sense by Glenn Beck 3.7 out of 5 stars (274)$6.59

Amazon.com Home  |   Directory of All Stores

International Sites:  Canada  |  United Kingdom  |  Germany  |  Japan  |  France  |  China

Business Programs: Sell on Amazon  |  Build an eCommerce Site  |  Advertise With Us  |  Developer Services  |  Self-Publish with Us

Help  |  View Cart  |  Your Account  |  1-Click Settings

Investor Relations  |  Press Releases  |  Careers at Amazon  |  Join Associates  |  Join Advantage

Conditions of Use | Privacy Notice © 1996-2009, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press (April 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0226041476
• ISBN-13: 978-0226041476
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #836,935 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fine analysis of the subject and a refreshing approach to the study of international relations, February 18, 2006

By	Matteo Legrenzi (St. Antony's College, Oxford) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The "Great Satan" vs. the "Mad Mullahs": How the United States and Iran Demonize Each Other (Hardcover)

This is an excellent book. The author has a deep understanding of both American and Iranian culture. He argues persuasively that the conflict between Iran and the United States centers not on substantive differences but on symbolic discourse. In other words, he shows how ideology plays an important part in the formulation of both Iranian and American foreign policy.

The only caveat, as someone who studies American policy towards the states on the `other shore' of the Gulf, is that sometimes, in order to purport a symmetry in American and Iranian attitudes, the author overestimates the systemic nature of the communication problems between the two countries. A bona fide effort was exerted towards the end of the Clinton administration to break through the wall of incommunicability between the two nations. It is unfortunate that that particular occasion was missed, as was a parallel one being carried out with North Korea, and the situation is now very dangerous indeed. We assist at the `preparing of the ground' by op-ed writers and other neo-conservative pundits for possible military action against Iran.

At a broader level, irrespective of the subject matter of the book, what is amazing for a student of international relations is the level of insight to be gained by a judicious application of anthropology to the study of the bilateral relations of two states. The author, without entering the choppy waters and the tired controversies of International Relations theory, manages to illuminate the systemic nature of the rivalry between Iran and the United States. This approach could be fruitfully applied to many other disputes around the globe. The book is literally peppered with incredibly interesting observations about the nature of diplomacy in today's world and the importance of communication in the conduct of international relations. Each of them could be fruitfully expanded in a self-standing line of research and could be applied to other international disputes. All of this is written in a clear, jargon-free way that would put to shame many IR specialists (as well as some anthropologists). Even outside the boundaries of academia an educated lay reader can truly enjoy this book.

Overall, this is a really good book. It is certainly necessary reading for anyone interested in American and Iranian foreign policy. However, it is also to be recommended to scholars of international relations who do not focus on the Middle East because of its refreshing approach to the study of international politics. Finally, any concerned individual who is following current events would gain a lot by reading it.

9 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Most Important Book , September 28, 2005

By	Don Weadon (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The "Great Satan" vs. the "Mad Mullahs": How the United States and Iran Demonize Each Other (Hardcover)

Bill Beeman's new book, Great Satan vs. Mad Mullahs, How the United States and Iran Demonize Each Other, is one of the most important books published this year. In light of the pressing policy issues of the US-Iran impasse on nuclear energy, his book is decidedly on point in the evaluation of the Iranian response to U.S. rhetoric and punitive diplomatic maneuvering. In his informed and perceptive analysis, Beeman demonstrates how Iranian argument and expository patterns, while culturally determined, evoke an essential desire for self-respect. And regardless of Iran's economic ties or future petroleverage, it is a message which has found a significant following among many nations.

For those Americans (and Iranians) who desire a thorough, dispassionate and perceptive understanding of how our two nations are incapable of understanding one another, and how real communications can begin, this book is essential reading. It provides a world of understanding of two important cultures and their communications challenges.

Don Weadon

7 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A breath of fresh air, March 7, 2006

By	TenorFrank (CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The "Great Satan" vs. the "Mad Mullahs": How the United States and Iran Demonize Each Other (Hardcover)

Beeman's book hits the nail on the head: The US and Iran should be seeking common interests instead of demonizing one another. This is a passionate analysis by someone who really knows both countries. Michael Rubin's review reveals him as a neo-con desperate to discredit Beeman, using ungentlemanly and anti-intellectual hyperbole. When he claims that there is nothing congruent to Iran's cry of "Death to America," he is conveniently forgetting about the Axis of Evil speech.