Iran 1400 Project, Iran 140 Inc., proudly presents the following panel at MESA 2025.
The “Pathways to a Democratic Iran: Challenges and Opportunities” panel explores the challenges and prospects of democratization in Iran. The country’s civil and political society remains deeply divided along ideological and strategic lines, including Reform vs. Revolution, Theocracy vs. Secularism, and Inside vs. Outside Leadership. These divisions have stalled collaboration among democratic forces, creating further polarization and impeding progress toward democratization.
This panel seeks to bridge these gaps by fostering a shared discourse and drawing on the experiences of prosperous liberal democracies. The discussion will analyze historical, socio-political, institutional, and international factors that have shaped Iran’s struggle for democracy. Key questions include: What lessons can be learned from Iran’s historical democratic movements? How do socio-economic and cultural dynamics impact democratization efforts? What role do international actors play in shaping Iran’s political future? What institutional frameworks are necessary for sustainable democratic governance? Proposed Papers: Historical Trajectories of Democracy in Iran – A comprehensive analysis of Iran’s democratic history, from the 1906 Constitutional Revolution to modern-day pro-democracy movements, examining successes and obstacles. Women’s Role in Iran’s Democratic Movement – Explores women’s activism, including conservative voices, and the impact of legal and societal constraints on women’s political engagement. Merging Narratives for a Unified Democratic Vision – Addresses the fragmentation of Iran’s civil and political society and explores methods for fostering a cohesive democratic movement. Challenges of Iranian Expats in Opposition Movements – Investigates issues of legitimacy, coordination, and the role of the Iranian diaspora in shaping the global perception of Iran’s democratization efforts. The International Community and Iran’s Democratic Prospects – Analyzes the role of global powers and international organizations in supporting or hindering Iran’s democratic transition since 1979.
This panel aims to foster an interdisciplinary dialogue that contributes to scholarly research and practical policymaking by integrating historical analysis with contemporary sociopolitical and institutional perspectives. The session will engage audience members to broaden discussions on how Iranian democratic aspirations can be realized despite the structural challenges.
Presenters
- Mehrzad Boroujerdi: Strengths and Weaknesses of Social Protests in Iran
- Nadia Butt: A Dream for Democracy
- Mohammad Ghaedi: The International Community and Iran’s Democratic Prospects
- Aram Hessami: Merging Narratives: Bridging Divides for a Unified Democratic Vision
- Eric Lob: Discussant
- Ali Akbar Mahdi: The Iranian Opposition to the Islamic Republic
- Vafa Mostaghim: The Evolution of Meta-Narratives in Iran Over the Past 100 Years
The 59th Annual Meeting of the Middle East Studies Association will be held in person in Washington, DC, from November 22 to 25, 2025. All attendees must register, and registration is open to anyone interested in Middle East studies. MESA offers discounted pre-registration. Please see the MESA 2025 webpage for more details.
The Iran 1400 Project Editorial Team collaborates with scholars and experts to enhance understanding of Iran’s history and future. They examine changes in institutions and society over the past century and aim to inspire a constructive vision for Iran in the 1400s by discussing key cultural, political, and economic issues.
