The study of the Iranian monarchy under Mohammad Reza Shah from 1941 to 1979 is assumed to rely on the monarchic political formula as a determining factor for policy analysis. However, the monarchic political formula is not consistently or universally understood as an influential factor in social and political modernization efforts under the Shah. In fact, scholars at times apply their own definitions of the term "monarchy" inconsistently, potentially causing confusion among students of Iranian history and international relations. In this study, four influential theorists' work is examined in relation to their understanding of the monarchic political formula during Mohammad Reza Shah's modernization efforts in Iran. Their treatments of the Shah's modernization efforts are studied in conjunction with their definitions of the term "monarchy", providing the foundation for critical analysis of scholarly treatment of this important topic in political science.