Anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism in Iran

Anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism constitute two important ideological building blocks of the Islamic Republic of Iran, yet there is no existing research into the psychosocial motives underlying the institutional manifestation of these sentiments. Applying the tenets of identity process theory (IPT) to the Iranian case study, this article explores (i) how anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism may help restore feelings of belonging in the Muslim world and beyond; (ii) the interrelations between in-group and out-group self-efficacy; (iii) the psychosocial motivation to maintain Shiite ideology and Khomeini's legacy; and (iv) the construction of Jews and Israel in terms of a threat to group continuity.