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

eric_brown
Eric B. Brown

Senior Fellow

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
28
October 2025
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
Africa’s Role in Addressing America’s Critical Minerals Refining Vulnerability
Featured Speakers:
Dr. J. Peter Pham
Michael Hollomon II
Ben Kincaid
Joshua Meservey
Getty Images
28
October 2025
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
Africa’s Role in Addressing America’s Critical Minerals Refining Vulnerability

This discussion will cover the scale of the challenge, how the US government can better support domestic and allied refining, and how African nations can climb the critical minerals supply chains.

Getty Images
Featured Speakers:
Dr. J. Peter Pham
Michael Hollomon II
Ben Kincaid
Joshua Meservey
28
October 2025
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
The Future of US Broadband and Spectrum Strategy
Featured Speakers:
Arielle Roth
Harold Furchtgott-Roth
Getty Images
28
October 2025
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
The Future of US Broadband and Spectrum Strategy

To discuss how the administration is strengthening US leadership in communications and technology, Senior Fellow Harold Furchtgott-Roth will host Arielle Roth, assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information and administrator of the NTIA.

Getty Images
Featured Speakers:
Arielle Roth
Harold Furchtgott-Roth
30
October 2025
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
How Long Can Russia’s Weakening Economy Support Putin’s War on Ukraine?
Featured Speakers:
Dr. Volodymyr Lugovskyy
Dr. Anders Aslund
Thomas J. Duesterberg
Getty Images
30
October 2025
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
How Long Can Russia’s Weakening Economy Support Putin’s War on Ukraine?

Join noted Russian and Ukrainian economists and Hudson Senior Fellow Thomas Duesterberg for an event that will analyze how growing economic problems are affecting Vladimir Putin’s war effort and its ability to avoid an economic crisis.

Getty Images
Featured Speakers:
Dr. Volodymyr Lugovskyy
Dr. Anders Aslund
Thomas J. Duesterberg
24
October 2025
Past Event
Prioritizing the Release of Chinese Christian Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri
Featured Speakers:
Grace Jin Drexel
Bill Drexel
Olivia Enos
Getty Images
24
October 2025
Past Event
Prioritizing the Release of Chinese Christian Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri

Join Hudson for a conversation with Pastor Jin’s daughter and son-in-law about Pastor Jin, why he and the other detained Zion Church members matter for US foreign policy, and what the US government can do to secure the church members’ release.

Getty Images
Featured Speakers:
Grace Jin Drexel
Bill Drexel
Olivia Enos