Analysis and Review of Ali Naghi Alikhani's Role in the Economic Transformations of the 1960s

Abstract

Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, who gradually emerged as an authoritarian ruler following the 1953 coup, also paid attention to economic transformations. Utilizing technocratic elites was one of his tools for changing Iran's economy. Ali Naghi Alikhani, a technocrat educated in economics, held the position of Minister of Economy for seven years. He successfully took significant steps in transforming the traditional economy toward modernity with the participation of both the public and private sectors. The primary aim of this research is to examine Alikhani's tenure as Minister of Economy, the factors and consequences of his dismissal, and the legacy he left behind. The study is based on the central question: What role did Ali Naghi Alikhani play in the economic transformations of the 1960s? The research findings reveal that Alikhani, through measures such as activating the private sector, not only ended the previous economic stagnation but also achieved unparalleled economic growth with low inflation for a decade. This study is considered a theoretical historical research. The information has been collected from books, articles, and websites and has been written descriptively and analytically.