Iran's presidents have defined the Islamic Republic's attitudes toward the rest of the world. Never has this been more true than now.

In The Quest for Authority in Iran, Siavush Randjbar-Daemi presents an in-depth analysis of the evolution of the Iranian presidency from its inception in the aftermath of the Islamic Revolution to the present day. He offers detailed narratives of each the presidents' ascent to the post and their struggles to acquire authority and maintain relevance within the political process.

The figures under consideration include the widely-admired...