Structural hardline influence shapes Iran's new supreme leader
Original framing: “The rise of Mojtaba Khamenei” — Financial Times
The consolidation of power by the Revolutionary Guards mirrors patterns seen in other revolutionary regimes, such as Cuba and Nicaragua, where military institutions became central to governance. This reflects a broader historical trend of revolutionary movements evolving into authoritarian structures.
The transition of power in Iran is not a personal story of Mojtaba Khamenei, but a reflection of the entrenched power of the Revolutionary Guards, a structure that has evolved from a revolutionary force into a self-perpetuating political and economic entity.
This pattern is not unique to Iran, but is part of a broader historical trend where revolutionary institutions consolidate power and resist reform. The marginalization of reformist voices and the suppression of civil society are key factors in this dynamic. To foster change, a multi-pronged approach is needed: supporting internal reformist dialogue, promoting economic transparency, and expanding cultural and educational exchanges. These steps can help shift the balance of power and create space for democratic governance in Iran.