Ep 9. Revolution and Reform: The Making of Modern Iran

Revolution and Reform: The Making of Modern Iran takes us on a journey through the complex history of Iran, from the early 20th century to the present day. As Iran's leaders continue to defy Western policies, this episode of Great Decisions in Foreign Policy looks at the factors that have contributed to Iran's political and social landscape.

Throughout the episode, we learn about the overlapping historical, social, and religious factors that have shaped Iran's political landscape. From the reign of Reza Shah, who sought to modernize Iran in the early 1920s, to the Islamic Revolution led by Ayatollah Khomeini in 1979, viewers come to understand the role that modernization and tradition have played in Iran's political development.

We also learn about the ways in which Iran's political and social landscape has been impacted by wider global events. The Iranian Revolution of 1979, which saw the overthrow of the U.S.-backed Shah, was influenced by anti-colonial sentiments and nationalist movements in the Middle East. At the same time, the Iranian hostage crisis that followed the Revolution highlighted the tensions between the U.S. and Iran that continue to this day.

The episode also takes a look at the post-revolutionary era, as Iran tried to balance various political and economic pressures in an effort to modernize and remain relevant on the global stage. We hear from experts on how the Islamic Republic dealt with the Iran-Iraq war, as well as the economic sanctions that were imposed following the Revolution. We also learn about the key political figures who have shaped Iranian politics in the years since the Revolution, including President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and current Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

The final part of the episode explores the ongoing tension between Iran and the U.S., which has been a defining feature of Iranian foreign policy since the Revolution. We learn about the different strategies that have been employed by both countries in an effort to gain the upper hand, from covert operations to economic sanctions. We also hear from experts who analyze the prospects for future negotiations between the two countries, given the recent signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015.

Overall, Revolution and Reform provides a detailed look at the complex history of Iran, helping viewers to understand the factors that have shaped the country's political and social landscape over the past century. With expert analysis and a wealth of archival footage, this episode of Great Decisions in Foreign Policy offers a fascinating insight into one of the world's most intriguing nations.