The Big Story Iran's complex history; The resistance, the crackdown and what could happen next
Jan 16, 2026
In this engaging discussion, Maral Karimi, an academic at Toronto Metropolitan University and author of a critical work on the 2009 Green Movement, dives into the multi-faceted socio-political landscape of Iran. She highlights the important role of women in protests and how the youth, especially Gen Z, navigate their frustrations. Karimi warns against simplistic narratives and discusses the dangers of U.S. intervention, asserting it could unify support for the regime. She provides insights into Iran's complex history and outlines the gravity of current socio-political dynamics.
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Episode notes
Iran Is Plural, Not Monolithic
- Iran is not a monolith; it is multi-ethnic, multi-religious and contains many divergent voices.
- Treating Iran as a singular ideology obscures internal divisions and diverse demands, said Maral Karimi.
Revolution Produced An Unfinished State
- The 1979 revolution united varied groups but produced an unstable, unfinished state under the Islamists.
- Maral Karimi notes repeated uprisings show the Islamic Republic has never achieved lasting stability.
Recurring Protests Signal Deep Grievances
- Iranian protests often stem from long-run grievances that successive regimes fail to resolve.
- Karimi argues repeated uprisings indicate persistent structural issues beyond individual leaders.
