Best of the Spectator Holy Smoke: why theocracies survive – with Peter Frankopan
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Jan 18, 2026 
Join Peter Frankopan, a renowned historian at Oxford University, as he explores the enduring nature of Iran's theocracy. He explains how the regime cleverly intertwines state control with religious doctrine. Delve into the historical Sunni-Shia divides and the pragmatic design of Khomeini's governance. Discover how global repression methods and societal shifts contribute to ongoing dissent in Iran. Frankopan also highlights concerning theocratic trends emerging in Western institutions, urging listeners to reflect on their own vulnerabilities.
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Theocracy As A Power Mechanism
- The Iranian theocracy was created as a pragmatic power structure to entrench the 1979 revolution's leaders.
- Peter Frankopan argues its design aims less at religious purity than at preventing the revolution's overthrow.
Control Over Daily Life Defines Theocracy
- Theocracies function by controlling daily life, not just doctrine.
- Frankopan stresses the practical reach of the state over mundane things like education, media and markets.
Security Mindset Fuels Repression
- The Iranian regime borrows repressive tools globally while pursuing perpetual vigilance.
- Frankopan links surveillance tech and proxy warfare to a doctrine of attack-as-defense.