State Department’s 2019 Country Human Rights Report shows deterioration in respect for human rights globally but, Iran, China and Venezuela in particular.
Iran articles on Democracy Chronicles
News about the struggle for democracy in Iran. Iran is not a functioning democracy. According to Freedom House, the "most powerful figure in the government is the supreme leader and violent repression of dissent is routine". Also check out our section on World Democracy or our articles on the Middle East.
The Iranian regime is facing a fundamental test of legitimacy
Iranians voted for a new parliament Friday. Hard-line factions are set to win the polls. This could cripple the more moderate president, Hassan Rouhani.
A catalyst for change in Iran?
Iran’s theocracy is ruthless and survives through repression. However, the labor protest may be the political force most feared by the clerical regime.
‘Signposts of Struggle’: Iran’s protest movement endures
While protests will continue in Iran, it is unclear if they will lead to more significant outcomes, such as revolution or regime change, analysts.
Election security officials are preparing for possible cyber retaliation by Iran
With rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, Election officials have warned Iran may seek to interfere in US election as a form of retaliation.
Support for civil society is a better way to advance democracy, not regime change
Using force to achieve the democratic ends behind regime change often makes things worse, argues Benjamin Denison, postdoctoral fellow at Tufts University.
Totalitarianism and weak civil society, recipes for ‘social explosion’ in Iran
An article in Democracy Digest argues that Iran’s totalitarianism when combined with a weak civil society constitutes a recipe for ‘social explosion’.
After a Month of Countrywide Protest, The Iraqi Prime Minister Resigns
Iraqi protesters have now made sacrifices in large numbers to voice their dissent against the government and they still refuse to back down.
Iran Security Forces Have Cracked Down Violently on Protests
Iran protests over increasing hardship as US slams sanctions has been met with brutal violence by Iranian security forces.
Iran: Schools Shut Out Children with Disabilities
Children with disabilities face discrimination and significant barriers in getting an education in Iran, HRW and the Center for Human Rights in Iran said.