'In this thoroughly researched book, Assal H. Rad provides a deep historical analysis of Iranian national identity and the many ways it has been a site of intense debate and contestation. Rad has written an important book that allows us to better understand the complexities of post-revolutionary Iranian politics and society.' Narges Bajoghli, John Hopkins University'Required reading for anyone seeking to understand modern Iranian identity and the ongoing struggle to define it. Assal H. Rad beautifully shows that while every governing system in Iran has sought to legitimize its rule by forging its own variation of Iranian nationalism and identity, independence and freedom from foreign subjugation have constituted irreplaceable ingredients in any such endeavor.' Trita Parsi, Georgetown University'In her compelling first book, Assal H. Rad takes us on a journey through Iranian music, film, and TV drama to argue that we must seek Iran's post-revolutionary identity in works of cultural production. Her interdisciplinary approach and lucid writing make for a book that will be welcomed by students and general readers alike.' Nahid Siamdoust, The University of Texas at Austin Assal Rad received her PhD in Middle Eastern history from the University of California, Irvine, and currently works on US?Iran policy. She has written for Newsweek, the Independent, Foreign Policy, and more, and appeared on BBC World, BBC Persian, Al Jazeera, and NPR.