A growing number of Iranians have strived to topple the totalitarian Islamic Republic and replace it with a democratic and secular state, at least since the nationwide protests that took place during the winter of 2017–2018. In November 2019, around 1,500 people were killed in large anti-regime protests, and every year since then, there have been uprisings against the regime. With the murder of Mahsa Amini on September 16, 2022, a new wave of anti-regime demonstrations began. This time, Iranians claimed to be carrying out a revolution, yet eight months later, the Islamic regime is still in power. Will the Iranian people be able to overthrow the Islamic regime, which is presently Iran's biggest barrier to democracy? What challenges do the Iranians face in their fight to topple the regime? What are their strengths and opportunities? Based on theories of civil resistance and revolutions, the seminar aims to analyse and discuss the above-mentioned questions.

Arvin Khoshnood has published numerous research articles, reports, and analyses related to Iran’s domestic, foreign, and security policies. He frequently comments on Iranian politics in the media and advises national and international policymakers, researchers, and journalists on matters pertaining to Iran and the Middle East. Khoshnood holds degrees in political science, human geography, and intelligence analysis from Lund University, Sweden, where he is currently the administrative director of studies at the Department of Human Geography.

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