From Disenchantment to Discontent: Unraveling Iran's Sociopolitical Landscape
How is the social unrest and resistance to the ruling regime in Iran similar to the last few years in Burma? This is the question we put to Pardis Mahdavi on a recent podcast episode. In the following excerpt, she shares about the conditions which led to the uprising in Iran. Insight Myanmar is looking into forming a panel discussion between youth activists in both respective countries to connect and share strategies and inspiration.
“Disenchantment with the regime grew as people witnessed the suffering caused by sanctions, unemployment, and increasing difficulties in travel.”
“I believe what we have witnessed has transitioned from a gradual simmer to a boiling point. Initially, during the revolution, there was excitement surrounding the changes. However, when Khomeini assumed power and established various entities like the Revolutionary Guard, Council of Guardians, and his role as the Supreme Leader, people began to question the direction of the regime. They realized that the focus shifted away from addressing issues like hunger and unemployment to promoting a specific interpretation of Islam.
This disenchantment grew stronger, especially during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s. Additionally, pronatalist policies were enacted, encouraging families to have more children through tax breaks and land incentives. This resulted in a population boom, which later led to concerns about sustainability. The government then implemented mandatory family planning policies, resulting in a significant drop in fertility rates.
During my fieldwork in the 1990s, I noticed that a majority of Iran's population was under 25 years old, representing a significant demographic bulge. These young people did not experience the time of the Shah and began to question the regime's rhetoric. They realized that life during the Shah's time allowed more personal freedoms. There was a famous quote by Khomeini stating that the Islamic Revolution is not about fun, which young people often painted over as a form of protest. This generation grew up in a period marked by war, revolution, and austerity.
As they became more educated, the number of university graduates, particularly women, increased. However, women faced high unemployment rates, leading to growing discontent. This highly educated and disenchanted young population sought ways to express themselves, which manifested in movements like the sexual revolution and the green movement in 2009. Subsequent movements grew larger each year.
Disenchantment with the regime grew as people witnessed the suffering caused by sanctions, unemployment, and increasing difficulties in travel. The world's increasing connectivity through social media and the internet highlighted the shortcomings of the government. When gas prices soared and the government failed to address the issue, people from different backgrounds and social classes realized that the regime did not prioritize their well-being.
Each movement that followed gathered more participants. In 2022, the catalyzing moment was the death of Mahsa Amini, which was captured on film. This event echoed the power of innocent lives lost, similar to movements like Black Lives Matter. It served as a wake-up call to question whether a regime capable of such cruelty could truly represent the people.”