Betrayal and Hope in Modern Iran
Interview with Bozorgmehr Sharafedin about his book Stolen Revolution: Betrayal and Hope in Modern Iran, co-authored with Yeganeh Torbati. Explores the transformation of the Islamic Republic from an egalitarian promise to a mafia state through the experiences of individuals who go from believing in the system to fighting against it. Highlights how initially benevolent foundations became tools for confiscating assets, and how successful startups faced state encroachment, leading to forced takeovers and the erosion of a genuine private sector. Emphasizes the state’s increasingly subtle tactics beyond crude force, and the enduring hope of the Iranian people despite these challenges.
