Nationalising Oil and Knowledge in Iran

A brilliantly argued and painstakingly researched investigation into the intersection of oil’s material politics and subaltern histories of decolonisation that challenges the methodological nationalism that has characterised much of the modern historiography of Iran. Biglari’s multi-layered and globally connected account of Iran’s struggles over oil knowledge reaches out far and wide, providing food for thought to scholars and students of the post-colony and the international oil industry. -- Nelida Fuccaro, New York University Abu Dhabi
Nationalising Oil and Knowledge in Iran puts ordinary Iranians into key roles during a series of events that has commonly been analyzed from the top down. In doing so, the book builds on the earlier scholarship of Touraj Atabaki regarding social and labor movements within the Iranian oil industry and contributes to a growing body of work attributing significant technical and political roles to petroleum workers in general. -- Jonathan Kuiken, Wilkes University * American Historical Review *
Nationalising Oil and Knowledge expertly draws together AIOC corporate papers held by the BP Corporation, Iran’s national archives, and press discussions; weaves them together into an intricate picture of discussions taking place among management and government officials; and traces their impact down to the oil fields, training centers, and city streets. Biglari also takes great care to demonstrate the way the company’s schemes were contested and reshaped from the bottom up. -- James M. Gustafson * Technology and Culture *