Acknowledgements -- Maps, tables, figures, and appendices -- Abbreviations -- Introduction -- Theoretical framework -- Power structures and factional rivalries in the Islamic republic of Iran -- Factional rivalries and economic policies -- Factional rivalries and socio-cultural developments -- Factional rivalries and foreign policy -- Factional rivalries and Iran-European Union relations -- The European Union policy towards Iran -- Conclusion -- Appendices -- Glossary -- References -- Important websites from Iran of members of the political elite, state organizations, non-governmental organizations, and intellectuals/political activists -- Index.