Empire 121. The Fall of the Shah of Shahs
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Feb 8, 2024 
In this engaging discussion, Ali Ansari, a Professor of Iranian Studies at the University of St Andrews, shares insights on the Iranian Revolution and the Shah's downfall. He highlights the Shah's authoritarian measures and the impact of Khomeini's rise in popularity. Ansari reveals the complex socio-economic dynamics that fueled public protests and the challenges Khomeini faced in establishing power. The conversation also touches on the lasting implications of the revolution, including the formation of the Islamic Republic and its effects on both regional geopolitics and the Iranian diaspora.
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Ali Ansari's Childhood in Iran
- Ali Ansari lived in Europe until 1974, then returned to Iran.
- He attended the British School in Tehran and remembers seeing "The Spy Who Loved Me" there in 1978.
Shah's Mistakes and Possible Alternatives
- The Shah made several bad mistakes, but abdication and a transition of power might have been possible until 1977/78.
- His wife, Empress Farah Diba, was popular and could have led a regency.
Shah's One-Party State and Liberalization
- Inspired by China, the Shah created a disastrous one-party state while also concerned about his succession due to cancer.
- He began a limited liberalization process, releasing prisoners, possibly influenced by Carter's human rights platform.