Bordering on War

Brief Summary

Bordering on War by Shaherzad Ahmadi provides a detailed exploration of transnational identity, migration, and state loyalties through the lens of Iran's Khuzestan province. The book delves into the socio-political history of the region, particularly during the Iran-Iraq War, which began in 1980 with Iraq's invasion of Khuzestan. Ahmadi's study is based on a comprehensive collection of Persian- and Arabic-language archival sources, offering insights into the lives of Arab Iranians and the complex web of local non-national loyalties that developed in opposition to the confined identities dictated by nation-states.

Main Themes and Topics

Ahmadi's work centers on the themes of identity, migration, and local versus national loyalties. The book highlights the ethnically diverse composition of Khuzestan, emphasizing how the border region's transnational character challenged the national belonging of its Arab Iranian population. The narrative underscores the region's socio-economic complexities, especially given its wealth in oil, and examines the interactions between border dwellers, provincial leaders, and migrants, which have significantly influenced the historical trajectories of both Iran and Iraq. The book invites readers to consider how individuals and communities negotiate and assert agency in the face of larger bureaucratic and geopolitical pressures.

Writing Style and Tone

Ahmadi employs a scholarly yet accessible writing style, grounding her analysis in a wealth of primary sources that are not commonly accessed by Western researchers. Her narrative is both detailed and nuanced, allowing readers to engage deeply with the socio-political fabric of Khuzestan. The tone is analytical, offering a balanced perspective that brings clarity to complex historical events while maintaining an objective stance.