Democracy in the Middle East: A Conversation with His Royal Highness Reza Pahlavi

USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future (CPF) Director Bob Shrum joined His Royal Highness Reza Pahlavi, Exiled Crown Prince of Iran, for a discussion on democracy, peace, and prosperity in the Middle East at a critical moment in the region’s history on Thursday, October 24.

Featuring:
Reza Pahlavi: Exiled Crown Prince of Iran; USC Alum (‘85)
Bob Shrum (Moderator): CPF Director; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife
Moh El-Naggar (Opening Remarks): USC Dornsife Interim Dean

Learn more about the Center: https://dornsife.usc.edu/center-for-p...
Learn more about this event: https://calendar.usc.edu/event/democr...

Timestamps:
00:00-4:41 - Opening Remarks by USC Dornsife Interim Dean Moh El-Naggar
4:41-16:06 - Introduction by Reza Pahlavi: Exiled Crown Prince of Iran
16:06-19:47 - Can you share the impact of the Islamic Revolution on you and on the prospects of democracy in the Middle East?
19:47-26:24 - Why didn’t the Islamic Republic of Iran fall during the period of pro-democracy movements in 2008?
26:24-31:42 - When could your mission to remove the Fundamentalist regime from power happen? If it does happen, how can we ensure that we don’t end up with another power vacuum in the Middle East?
31:42-36:00 - How has the pro-woman movement in Iran influenced your thinking about the future of the country and Middle East democracy? And is there any prospect of more international support for women’s rights in Iran and in the Middle East?
36:00-38:24 - What could the role of the secular Iran you describe play in advancing human rights in the region?
38:34-45:20 - Is escalation between Iran and Israel inevitable?
45:20-48:27 - Do you think there is a viable path to peace and a two-state solution involving both Israel and the Palestinians?
48:27-51:50 - 40 years ago, Iran, a predominantly Muslim country, had a very different relationship with Israel than other Muslim-dominated countries in the region. Why?
51:50-57:01 - What role do Iranians who have left the country have to play in bringing about the kind of Iran you envision?
57:01-57:42 - Did you ever learn to fly a plane?
57:42- 1:00:05 - Concluding Statements