Description:

Saeid Golkar examines the shift in student movements in Iran after the 1979 Revolution from the suppression of Marxists groups and domination of Islamic students groups in 1980 to the emergence of neo-liberal, neo-left, and separatist student groups in late 2000. He emphasizes the relative failure of the state in using universities as an institution for socializing and indoctrinating Iranian students and training the ideological Muslim students.

Golkar is a lecturer for the Middle East and North African Studies Program at Northwestern University, and senior fellow of Iran policy at The Chicago Council on Global Affairs. His research interests encompass politics of authoritarian regimes, state and society relationships, civil military gaps, social movements and new Information technologies and politics all with a focus on the Middle East. His book, Captive Society: The Basij Militia and Social Control in Iran, was recently published (Columbia University and Woodrow Wilson Press, 2015).

This is part of the Buffett Institute Faculty & Fellows Colloquium. On Fridays during the school year, the Buffett Institute hosts Northwestern faculty and/or visiting fellows to present their current research. This forum brings together an interdisciplinary audience to build awareness of global research on campus. The series helps promote dialogue on scholarship and develop a deeper sense of community among Buffett Institute affiliates. Each meeting lasts one hour; lunch is provided. Please arrive early to get lunch and find a seat.