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Challenges of Participatory Governance: Shuras in Iran

About the project


This research investigates the struggle for participatory governance in Iran over the past century, focusing on Shuras (councils) as both a historical experience and a contemporary demand. Using archival materials and interviews, we analyze the rise and challenges of Shuras during the 1979 Revolution and their relevance to current debates, including those sparked by the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. Our study sheds light on the ongoing quest for grassroots democracy in Iran.

Timeline and funding


Project period: 01.01.2025 to 31.07.2027

The project is funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark (Danish Council for Independent Research)