Novara Media Downstream: The West Misunderstands Iran w/ Vali Nasr
Oct 27, 2025
Vali Nasr, a prominent professor of Middle East Studies at Johns Hopkins and author of Iran's Grand Strategy, dives deep into Iran's complex foreign and domestic policies. He discusses the historical roots of Iran's resistance to Western imperialism, the evolving debate over sovereignty versus economic development, and the challenges of the 'Resistance Economy.' Nasr also explores Iran's military adaptations and the duality of its support for Palestine, while questioning the implications of its nuclear ambitions in the shifting geopolitical landscape.
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Independence Frames Iran's Foreign Policy
- The Islamic Republic's foreign policy is best explained as a strategy to defend Iran's independence from Western influence.
- That resistance logic now clashes with economic decline and growing public frustration.
Post‑Revolution Debate On Development
- A national debate pits ‘resistance first’ against prioritising economic development and normalization.
- Younger Iranians largely reject prolonged isolation and see development and openness as essential.
Sanctions Sparked Indigenous Innovation
- Iran's isolation bred improvisation: domestic tech and industry replaced imports under sanctions.
- This produced homemade drones, missiles, digital finance, and strong private-sector competence.
