For over a century, Iranians have sought to create a system of governance that places power firmly in the hands of the people. At the heart of this political journey lie two interwoven concepts: Republicanism (جمهوریت) and Democracy (دموکراسی). While distinct in meaning, these ideas share a common foundation—popular sovereignty, the belief that legitimate power stems from the will of the people rather than divine authority or hereditary rule.

The Iranian experience with republicanism and democracy is a complex story of revolutions, repression, hope and setbacks, ideological debates, and popular movements. It is a history defined by a deep-rooted desire for a government that belongs to the people and is accountable to them.

This article is inspired by interviews and discussions from the YouTube video “The Future of Iran’s Democracy Movement,” which provides in-depth insights into Iran’s ongoing struggle for democratic governance.

I. Republicanism: A State Belonging to Its Citizens

In its philosophical essence, a republic is a system in which the state belongs to the people. This idea, with roots in ancient Greek city-states, posits that sovereignty must be exercised by the collective, not by monarchs or religious elites. In this context, Republicanism refers to more than just the absence of a king; it represents a political order in which citizens are the ultimate source of legitimacy.

The Iranian Context: From Monarchy to People’s Rule

In Iran, the struggle for Republicanism dates back to the Constitutional Revolution of 1906, when Iranians first attempted to limit monarchical power through a national parliament and constitutional law. This marked the beginning of Iran’s shift from monosrchy (سلطنت ) and divine right to the idea that the people could govern themselves.

However, even the Constitutional Law (قانون اساسی مشروطه) retained elements of divine sovereignty, failing to recognize the people as the ultimate authority. Later, under the Islamic Republic established in 1979, Republicanism was institutionalized—but with conditions. The system included elections and some public participation but placed ultimate authority in the hands of the Supreme Leader (ولی فقیه), who claimed legitimacy from God rather than the electorate.

Critics argue that this model undermines the very heart of Republicanism by subordinating public will to religious interpretation. As such, Iran’s political evolution has yet to fully realize a republican system where public sovereignty (حق حاکمیت عمومی) is unqualified and unconditional.

II. Democracy: Participation, Pluralism, and Rights

Parallel to the aspiration for Republicanism is the struggle for democracy—a system defined not only by elections but also by individual rights, the rule of law, accountability, and pluralism. The Iranian journey toward democracy has mirrored its Republican quest, filled with highs and lows, promise, and disillusionment.

Early Democratic Aspirations: Constitutional Revolution

Like Republicanism, Iran’s democratic story begins with the Constitutional Revolution. The creation of the Majles (parliament) and the idea of a government under law were revolutionary steps. Yet, democratic institutions remained fragile, often undermined by foreign interference, royal authoritarianism, or internal factionalism.

Authoritarianism and Missed Opportunities

During the Pahlavi era, Iran saw significant centralization of power. Both Reza Shah and later Mohammad Reza Shah suppressed political freedoms and marginalized democratic voices in the name of modernization and national unity. The promise of democracy was repeatedly postponed in favor of authoritarian control.

The 1979 Revolution: Democratic Participation with Constraints

The 1979 revolution galvanized millions with slogans of freedom, independence, and justice. However, the new Islamic Republic embedded a contradiction within its system: democratic mechanisms like elections were introduced, but ultimate sovereignty remained with unelected clerics under the principle of Islamic jurisprudence.

Supporters of this system argue that it blends democracy with spiritual guidance. Critics, however, contend that by placing limits on حق حاکمیت ملی (national sovereignty) and allowing unelected bodies to override elected institutions, the system denies true democratic agency to the people.

III. Continuing Struggles and Modern Movements

The post-revolutionary period has witnessed repeated efforts by civil society, reformist politicians, and grassroots movements to promote greater democratic openness. Periods like the Khatami presidency offered hope, while events such as the 2009 Green Movement and the 1401 (2022–2023) Women, Life, Freedom protests exposed the depth of popular demand for freedom, dignity, and the rule of law.

Some observers hailed the 1401 movement, in particular, as a more progressive, modern, and humane expression of democratic aspiration than previous waves. With women, youth, and marginalized communities at the forefront, it called for political reform and a reimagining governance rooted in human rights and equality.

IV. Reconciling Republicanism and Democracy: A Democratic Republic for Iran

A recurring challenge in Iranian political thought is reconciling the collective will (جمهوریت) with individual freedoms and pluralism (دموکراسی). A genuinely democratic republic requires more than elections—it needs constitutional protections for minorities, independent institutions, and a culture of tolerance and accountability.

Debates persist over the basis of rights—whether they stem from natural law (inherent and inalienable) or positive law (constructed through consensus). Similarly, there’s a growing consensus that no idea or institution should be immune from public scrutiny—even religious authority.

Conclusion: A Dream Still Alive

The intertwined ideas of Republicanism and Democracy continue to inspire Iranians across generations. Despite repression and disappointment, the aspiration for a system where the people are not only heard but empowered, where the government belongs to its citizens and is held accountable by them, remains vibrant.

Iran’s future may still be unwritten, but the conversation is ongoing. History’s lessons and its people’s sacrifices point toward a destination long in the making: a democratic republic rooted in justice, pluralism, and the unwavering belief that sovereignty belongs to the people—and only the people.