“The Imperial Nature of the Islamic Republic of Iran” with Ahmad Hashemi

Iran has for centuries constituted a resilient multi-ethnic empire, dominated by Persian imperial ambitions. It survived the 20th-century collapse of similar realms like the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires. Today, this imperial nature persists, though it is now cloaked in Islamist garb. The Tehran regime perpetuates subjugation through ethnic apartheid, proxy militias, and the expansionist Iranshahr ideology—mirroring historical quests for dominance akin to Russia’s “Russian World” or Nazi Lebensraum. Yet, as religiosity fades and ethno-nationalism rises among oppressed Kurds, Azerbaijanis, Baluchis, and others—fueled by protests, economic ruin, and escalating Israeli airstrikes in 2025—demands grow for dismantling this apartheid empire, and its transformation into democratic nation states. How might supporting ethnic minorities to shatter Iran’s imperial core redefine its role in the region? What opportunities and challenges could this pose for Israel’s security, alliances with Arab states, and the vision of a balanced, post-imperial Middle East?

Ahmad Hashemi is a freelance analyst and graduate student in strategic intelligence studies at the Institute of World Politics. His work focuses on Iran, Azerbaijan, and Middle Eastern foreign policy issues. He has written for a number of print and online publications and he is a regular commentator on Iranian politics, Azerbaijan, and regional affairs. He holds a B.A. in political science from the University of Tehran, an M.A. in regional studies from the School of International Relations in Iran, and an M.A. in defense and strategic studies from Missouri State University.

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