Revisiting Iran's Ethnic Question: Theoretical and Political Implications
October 6, 2017 — In a thought-provoking lecture delivered at the Prentice Institute, Dr. Kavous Sayed-Emami, an expert in Iranian social and political dynamics, revisited the complex and often contentious issue of ethnicity, nationhood, and unity in Iran. His presentation, titled “Theoretical and Political Implications of Conceptualizing ‘Nations’ and ‘Ethnies’: Iran’s Ethnic Question Revisited”, delved into the implications of how ethnicity and national identity are conceptualized within the Iranian context, and what these concepts mean for the diverse ethnic groups within the country.
Sayed-Emami examined how different theoretical frameworks shape our understanding of ethnicity and nationhood, highlighting the challenges that Iran’s diverse ethnic groups face in relation to the central government's political and social narratives. He argued that the government’s approach to national unity often downplays the importance of ethnic diversity, creating friction between the state and minority groups such as Azeris, Kurds, Arabs, Balochs, and others who feel marginalized.
Central to Sayed-Emami’s argument was the idea that various conceptualizations of ethnicity and nationhood have profound political implications for both the state's identity and the rights of its citizens. In particular, he questioned whether the notion of a "unified Iranian nation" that transcends ethnic and linguistic differences can be reconciled with the realities of ethnic diversity within the country.
The lecture was part of a broader discussion on the implications of Iran’s ethnic question, particularly in terms of governance, identity politics, and the rights of minority groups. Sayed-Emami emphasized that by reconsidering and properly addressing ethnic diversity, Iran could move toward a more inclusive national framework that respects and recognizes the contributions of all its ethnic groups.
The presentation also brought attention to the political ramifications of ethnic tensions within Iran. As ethnic minorities continue to face systemic discrimination in various spheres of life—including education, language, and political representation—the nation’s long-standing unity narrative may no longer be tenable without significant reform.
The lecture was streamed online, and can be accessed through this link.
Sayed-Emami's work continues to be a critical contribution to the debate on national identity and the politics of ethnicity in Iran, providing a much-needed perspective on how the country's diverse population can be better understood and represented in both theoretical and political terms.