The Iranian revolution of 1979

The Iranian revolution was one of the most inspiring revolutionary episodes of the post-war period. Here, without any pre-adopted plan, programme, leadership or organisation, the Iranian masses rose up against the Shah regime, a key ally of US imperialism notorious around the world for its brutality.

Not only did the movement sweep this decrepit regime away, it also managed to push out the old ruling class and take charge of the whole of the economy. With factory and neighbourhood councils rising everywhere, power was in the hands of the working class and the poor. And yet, this power was not consolidated, leading to the decline and defeat of the revolution.

In this session, Hamid Alizadeh will discuss this great historic drama, which holds a wealth of lessons for revolutionaries today — not only in Iran, but across the world where the working class is preparing to go onto to he offensive once again.

Recommended reading: Thirty years since the Iranian Revolution