Across Iran, a powerful wave of anti-government protests is making headlines. Driven by soaring prices, a collapsing currency, lack of social freedom, and deep political frustration, people are taking to the streets in record numbers. While some see this as the beginning of the end for the current regime, the state has met the movement with internet blackouts and a violent crackdown.

Do we witness a turning point for Iran, or will the state’s grip remain firm?

To understand it, we invite Mahdi Ghodsi, an economist and Middle East expert. In this talk, Mahdi will discuss:

• The “Kitchen Table” Crisis: How inflation and a failing economy pushed people to the brink.
• A New Kind of Protest: What makes this movement different from the protests of 2009 and 2022?
• The Mechanics of Power: Who is behind the crackdown, and who still benefits from the current system?
• The Path Ahead: Can things actually change, and what might Iran’s future look like?

The event takes place with support of Dialogbuero Vienna
🕔 January 29th, 19:00
📍 Eßlinggasse 9/6, 1010 Wien, Dialogbüro, 2nd floor
✍️ Free entry upon a sign-up: see the button above
🗣 Event language is English

About the speaker:

Mahdi Ghodsi is a Senior Economist at the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw) and a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Middle East and Global Order (CMEG). He specializes in turning complex data into clear insights about economic strategy and global policy.