16
May 2017
Past Event
The Iranian Mosaic: The Struggle of Minorities for Pluralism and Federalism in Iran

The Iranian Mosaic: The Struggle of Minorities for Pluralism and Federalism in Iran

Past Event
Hudson Institute, Washington, D.C. Headquarters
May 16, 2017
Iranians shop in Tehran's ancient Grand Bazaar on January 16, 2016. (ATTA KENARE/AFP/Getty Images)
Caption
Iranians shop in Tehran's ancient Grand Bazaar on January 16, 2016. (ATTA KENARE/AFP/Getty Images)
16
May 2017
Past Event

1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 400
Washington, DC 20004

Speakers:
Nasser Boladai

Balochistan People’s Party

Mauri Esfandiari

Komala Party

Arash Saleh

Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan

Dr. Karim Abdian

Democratic Solidarity Party of Alahwaz

Habib Azarsina

South Azerbaijan Alliance

Iran is an ethno-religious mosaic that includes Persian Shia in addition to a diversity of minority groups such as Azerbaijani Turks, Ahwazi, Baloch, and Kurds. Many non-Persians have felt politically and economically marginalized by the Persian-dominated theocracy in Tehran, and minority groups have been disproportionately affected by worsening state-sponsored violence and repression in recent years.

Soon, if not already, minorities will make up the majority of Iran's total population because of higher fertility rates among minority groups than their Persian counterparts. This suggests that Iran's internal stability and capacity for integration into the international order in coming years may heavily depend on Tehran's willingness to decentralize governance, create new economic opportunities for all its people, and incorporate its minorities as full citizens.

Understanding both the plight and role of minorities in shaping Iran's future is crucial for America's policy toward the Islamic Republic. On May 16, Hudson Institute and the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization hosted a panel discussion with representatives of Iran's Azerbaijani, Kurdish, Ahwazi, and Baloch populations who are working peacefully for federalism and pluralism. The panelists discussed the status of minorities inside the Islamic Republic, and their hopes and aspirations for a better future inside Iran.

Related Events
04
September 2025
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
The Digital Front Line: Building a Cyber-Resilient Taiwan
Featured Speakers:
Jason Hsu
Congressman Rob Wittman
Admiral (Ret.) Legislator Richard YK Chen
Dr. Anshu Roy
Joseph Saunders
taiwan flag cyber
04
September 2025
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
The Digital Front Line: Building a Cyber-Resilient Taiwan

Join Hudson Senior Fellow Jason Hsu for a discussion with Congressman Rob Wittman on the role of cyber resilience in the defense of Taiwan.

taiwan flag cyber
Featured Speakers:
Jason Hsu
Congressman Rob Wittman
Admiral (Ret.) Legislator Richard YK Chen
Dr. Anshu Roy
Joseph Saunders
08
August 2025
Past Event
Assessing the Armenia-Azerbaijan Agreement
Featured Speakers:
Damjan Krnjević Mišković
Michael Doran
Zineb Riboua
Getty Images
08
August 2025
Past Event
Assessing the Armenia-Azerbaijan Agreement

Research Fellow Zineb Riboua will moderate a conversation on the potential implications of this historic accord with Senior Fellow Michael Doran and Damjan Krnjević Mišković, professor of practice at Azerbaijan’s ADA University and editor of the policy journal Baku Dialogues.

Getty Images
Featured Speakers:
Damjan Krnjević Mišković
Michael Doran
Zineb Riboua
01
August 2025
Past Event
Peru’s Strategic Moment
Featured Speakers:
Diego de la Torre
Francisco Tudela
Marc Wachtenheim
Amb. Hugo de Zela
Moderator:
Daniel Batlle
Getty Images
01
August 2025
Past Event
Peru’s Strategic Moment

Join Hudson Adjunct Fellow Daniel Batlle and a panel of leading analysts as they examine what lies ahead for Peru and whether the country can convert its economic potential into lasting security and sovereignty ahead of its 2026 elections.

Getty Images
Featured Speakers:
Diego de la Torre
Francisco Tudela
Marc Wachtenheim
Amb. Hugo de Zela
Moderator:
Daniel Batlle
31
July 2025
Past Event
How Congress Can Rebuild US Shipbuilding and Boost Maritime Security
Featured Speakers:
Austin Gray
Capt. Christian Lee (Ret.)
Matthew Paxton
Scott Sloan
Mike Smith
Lawrence Ryder
Moderators:
Bryan Clark
Michael Roberts
DVIDS
31
July 2025
Past Event
How Congress Can Rebuild US Shipbuilding and Boost Maritime Security

Join Hudson Senior Fellows Bryan Clark and Michael Roberts for a discussion with government and industry leaders about the challenges the US Navy and Coast Guard face amid modernization efforts and how new legislation and regulation can help restore America’s maritime superiority.

DVIDS
Featured Speakers:
Austin Gray
Capt. Christian Lee (Ret.)
Matthew Paxton
Scott Sloan
Mike Smith
Lawrence Ryder
Moderators:
Bryan Clark
Michael Roberts