Foreign interference has shaped modern Iran: here鈥檚 why it still matters
Dr Simin Fadaee, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, has contributed an article to The Conversation exploring the historical and ongoing influence of foreign powers on Iran鈥檚 political development.
Her commentary comes amid Iran's recent presidential election, which followed the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May.
As Iran approaches the 50th anniversary of the 1979 revolution, reflects on how decades of foreign intervention, from imperialist ventures in the 19th century to Cold War conspiracies, continue to affect the nation's internal affairs and global positioning.
鈥淚ran鈥檚 past offers a stark reminder of how foreign involvement can shape, constrain and at times destabilise a nation鈥檚 trajectory,鈥� she writes.
Understanding this history is vital not only for Iranians but for anyone interested in the dynamics of global politics.
Dr Fadaee traces how successive British and Russian interventions, followed by American influence, particularly during the 1953 CIA-backed coup, have left a legacy of mistrust and resistance. She argues that these historical experiences have significantly shaped the Islamic Republic鈥檚 foreign policy and its scepticism towards Western intentions.
The article draws attention to Iran鈥檚 recent political climate, where voter turnout has been historically low and public trust in political institutions remains fragile. Dr Fadaee suggests that recognising the long shadow of external interference is essential to understanding these domestic dynamics.
Read Simin Fadaee鈥檚 full article on The Conversation: .