Iran Without Borders: Towards a Critique of the Postcolonial Nation

"Iran Without Borders" by Hamid Dabashi is a comprehensive study that examines the multifaceted identity of Iran through the lens of its transnational history and cultural interactions. Dabashi argues that Iran’s postcolonial borders are artificial constructs that obscure its rich and complex history of cosmopolitanism, spanning centuries of imperial and colonial exchanges with the broader world. He challenges the notion of a fixed, monolithic Iranian identity by exploring the influence of Indian, Arab, and European cultures on Iranian thought, literature, and artistic expression. Throughout the book, Dabashi examines the interconnectedness of Iranian identity with its surrounding regions, highlighting the influence of labour migration, the impact of the oil industry, and the role of the transnational public sphere in shaping Iran’s cultural and political landscape. By tracing the origins of Iranian cosmopolitanism, Dabashi seeks to liberate Iran from its artificial confines and celebrate its national identity's dynamic, multifaceted nature.