Abstract:

This presentation will assess Hasan Rouhani’s election victory in June 2013 and discuss the possibilities for change in his administration situating recent developments firmly within the context of the political history of Iran over the last decade and a half. What is meant by a government of moderation and how does this sit with the many promises for change Rouhani made during his election campaign. The presentation will argue that Rouhani sought to address different constituencies each with a particular agenda and that those seeking dramatic political and social change are likely to be disappointed. The emphasis of the recent election has been to wipe the stain of 2009 and to reboot electoral politics, while the focus of government policy is likely to be more economic than political. That said, it remains a matter of debate to what extent economic restructuring can take place outside political change and ultimately Rouhani may find that, like his predecessors he is obliged to tackle difficult political questions.