The Politics of Resistance Under Theocracy

February 12, 2010

This one-day conference explored the strategies of everyday resistance, in particular those of women and youth, in the face of systematic electoral fraud, a nondemocratic constitution, a ruler with virtually unrestricted power, and a constant crackdown on civil society. Focusing on Iran’s controversial June presidential elections, participants discussed what social movements require to succeed, the internal and external elements involved, and options for nonviolent resistance. The conference included three panel discussions: “Contentious Politics, from Revolution (1979) to 'Revolution’ (2009)”; “Everyday Life—Women, Youth, and Endangered Scholars”; and “Ethical Demands of the Green Movement,” as well as a video about Kian Tajbakhsh. Also screened was The Last Word, a single-channel video/audio installation by Iranian artist Shirin Neshat.

Dedicated to Kian Tajbakhsh, an Iranian-American scholar, sociologist, and urban planner, formerly a professor at the Milano School, who was arrested in Tehran following the 2009 presidential election and sentenced to 12 years in prison.