Sure, they had a system of relatively successive monarchies, but that isn’t the same as having a single running system of government. And it certainly not somehow more legitimate than theocracy, if your own benchmark is democratic rule - which you just said was the determining factor of a government’s legitimacy.
Also, not for nothing, but the last monarchical dynasty was literally installed by the British, and propped up by Western powers until the people, or at least, a fanatically religious subset of the people, overthrew them.
Again, it’s not like I’m a fan of theocracies, but saying that their current government is illegitimate is absurd, whether viewed in the context of international relations, or internal support and control.
The regime is definitely illegitimate in eyes of the people, as proven by the fact that most people stayed away from the sham election where their only choices was between archconservatives and reactionaries.
the context of international relations,
The US has had no diplomatic relations with Iran since 1979 and does not recognize that regime as legitimate.
and control.
Yes they do control people. With torture and murder. But torture and murder is not really viewed as a legitimate way for countries to control their population.
Sure, they had a system of relatively successive monarchies, but that isn’t the same as having a single running system of government. And it certainly not somehow more legitimate than theocracy, if your own benchmark is democratic rule - which you just said was the determining factor of a government’s legitimacy.
Also, not for nothing, but the last monarchical dynasty was literally installed by the British, and propped up by Western powers until the people, or at least, a fanatically religious subset of the people, overthrew them.
Again, it’s not like I’m a fan of theocracies, but saying that their current government is illegitimate is absurd, whether viewed in the context of international relations, or internal support and control.
Let’s look at your 3 criteria one by one:
The regime is definitely illegitimate in eyes of the people, as proven by the fact that most people stayed away from the sham election where their only choices was between archconservatives and reactionaries.
The US has had no diplomatic relations with Iran since 1979 and does not recognize that regime as legitimate.
Yes they do control people. With torture and murder. But torture and murder is not really viewed as a legitimate way for countries to control their population.