A Solution for the Kurdish Conflict in Iran: Federalism or Secession?

A Solution for the Kurdish Conflict in Iran: Federalism or Secession?

Author: The Institute of World Politics July 24, 2025 Duration: 48:16
About the Lecture: This discussion is based on a case study that examines two policy proposals, federalism or secession, as possible solutions for the Kurdish conflict in Iran. It is a study that meticulously analyzes the historical background of the Kurdish question, identifying the critical factors for the emergence of Kurdish nationalism in Iran and the environmental degradation and dynamics of regional politics as additional factors to the complexity and multidimensional nature of the Kurdish conflict in Iran. Ultimately, this study aimed to answer one main research question: Which of these two distinct policy proposals, asymmetrical federalism, or remedial secession, can provide a peaceful and democratic solution to the long-lasting Kurdish conflict in Iran? About the Speaker: Following the Iranian revolution in 1979, Salah Bayaziddi, as a young sympathizer, joined the political process and became an activist in the Kurdish struggle against the oppression of the Iranian regime at an incredibly young age. In 1982, regime security forces arrested him. He survived over two years of torture and solitary confinement for his beliefs in a free and democratic Iran based on equality for all ethnic and religious groups, including Kurds. Following his release from prison, Salah was under strict and constant watch by regime security and intelligence agencies. From 1984 to 1990, he was deprived of the right to study, the right to work, and the right to travel outside Iran. In 1990, Salah Bayaziddi escaped Iran through the mountains of Turkey. In Ankara, he applied for refugee status and was accepted as a new Canadian immigrant through the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. In 1991, Salah Bayaziddi resettled in Toronto. He has been active in Kurdish politics and an advocate for human rights in Iran for over 40 years. Salah Bayaziddi received his BA in Political Science from York University in Toronto, an MA in International Relations from Brock University in Canada, and a PhD in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from NSU Florida.

Tune into The Institute of World Politics for a direct line to the conversations shaping our world. This isn't a series of lectures, but a collection of dialogues and talks from a unique graduate school focused squarely on national security, statecraft, and international affairs. Each episode brings you the voices of seasoned practitioners, scholars, and policy experts who grapple with complex global realities. You'll hear in-depth discussions on the ethical dimensions of foreign policy, the foundations of the American political economy, and the enduring principles of the Western moral tradition as they apply to contemporary challenges. The podcast serves as an audio extension of the Institute's mission to cultivate thoughtful leaders, offering listeners a chance to engage with ideas that inform real-world decision-making. It's an opportunity to sit in on nuanced conversations that move beyond headlines, providing context and depth on how nations interact, compete, and cooperate. Remember, the perspectives shared by guest speakers are their own, fostering a rich diversity of thought on critical issues. For anyone curious about the forces driving international events and the art of principled leadership, this podcast provides a substantive and compelling resource.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Institute of World Politics
Podcast Episodes
The European Union as a Defense Actor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:25
The EU Ambassador to the U.S. Jovita Neliupšienė addresses the European Union’s growing role as a key defense actor. Framed within the broader context of EU-U.S. relations and NATO, the discussion focuses on shifting Eur…
Wife, Mother, Spy: An Extraordinary Life Filled with Ordinary Days. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:56
In her book, Wife, Mother, Spy: An Extraordinary Life Filled with Ordinary Days, Ms. Ann Butler explores the complexities of balancing a career in the Agency’s Clandestine Service while raising five children with a “non-…
The CEE Region and the 21st-Century Window of Opportunity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:37
Csaba B. Horváth, PhD earned his PhD in International Relations at Corvinus University of Budapest after completing degrees in History and Political Science at Eötvös Loránd University. He is a member of the General Asse…
The War in Ukraine - An Update from The Front [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:52
IWP Professor Glenn Corn provides an update on the situation in Ukraine based on his recent travels to that country, including visits to multiple cities/locations. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iw…