Political self-destruction or foreign scheme : the fall of prime minister Mohamed Mossadeq reconsidered

Abstract EN

It became a refrain of most U.

S.

-Iran relations' literature that Mohamed Mossadeq was overthrown mainly by foreign powers in order to prolong the longevity of their ally in Iran: Mohamed Reza Shah.

In this article, the political ramifications of Mossadeq's political behaviour are to be examined to pinpoint to what extent the responsibility for his unseating can be laid on him.

His political performance was not shrewd enough as to retain his popular base of support, particularly his political allies.

He proceeded to act in a style that seemed scornful of the political actors already active on the scene and their determination to topple him at the opportune moment, even in collaboration with foreign powers.

It can be said that Mossadeq was answerable for his fall due to his lack of sober and coherent political thinking and an embrace of a populist political performance.