What is the ideology behind the Islamic Republic of Iran — and why does it seem so difficult to defeat, negotiate with, or force into submission?

In this episode of Iran Unveiled, I am joined by social justice activist Arman to explore the history and political development of Shiism, Khomeinism and the Islamic Republic, and how religious ideas have shaped Iran's domestic politics and its regional ambitions.

We begin with the origins of Sunni–Shia Islam and examine how these ideas translated into the Islamic Republic after the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

We also discuss the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States and Israel, and ask a difficult question: what would it actually take for the Islamic Republic and the IRGC to accept defeat? Is military defeat enough, or would meaningful change require the disarmament of the IRGC and a much longer process of cultural and political transformation?

Finally, we discuss the future of Iranian civil society, the fragmentation of the opposition, secularism, the role of religion in a future Iranian state, and how Iran's diverse society might build a shared political identity after the Islamic Republic.

This episode contains a wide-ranging discussion of religion and politics, including the guests' personal interpretations and opinions.

Link to Arman's projects and collaborations:

https://jomhoor.org/en/index.html

https://atlasiran.org/

Episode Cover Art: Nasser Teymourpour

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