Abbas Amanat

Abbas Amanat, a Yale historian specializing in modern Iranian history, shares insights on the protests triggered by Mahsa Amini's death. He discusses the fight for women's rights and the generational divide in aspirations for freedom. The conversation explores Iran's complex socio-political dynamics, historical roots of current unrest, and the impact of international relations, including nuclear ambitions and geopolitical tensions. Amanat emphasizes the resilience of the Iranian spirit and the hope for a more democratic future amidst ongoing challenges.

Abbas Amanat, a historian specializing in modern Iranian history, and Ray Takei, a foreign policy analyst, delve into Iran's complex political landscape. They discuss the Constitutional Revolution of 1905-1907, exploring its promise and the subsequent trend of autocratic rule. The conversation highlights how foreign intervention shaped political outcomes, leading to the rise of Reza Khan and the consequential 1953 coup. The duo examines the paradox of reforms repeatedly empowering strongmen, revealing a fascinating cycle of revolution and repression in Iran.

Karosh Ziabari, New York–based journalist and media researcher, speaks on dissent and how recent military actions affect Iranians at home and abroad. Abbas Amanat, historian and author of Iran: A Modern History, outlines Iran’s revolutionary turning points and long arc. They discuss 1953, 1979, reform attempts, nuclear diplomacy, and how external strikes shape civil society.