“Death to the dictator” chants have broken out during the protests in Iran, indicative of the broader economic and political strain throughout the country.

Oil revenues that used to fund domestic stability and prop up Iran’s regional influence have collapsed. Leaving the clerical regime weak. But does that mean a revolution is imminent? Well, Persian history says no. There have only been six major regime changes over 2,500 years. Although two of those changes have happened in the last century, indicating the current system is struggling to adapt to the industrial era. But a powerful state and a large military help control its population via repression and slow cultural integration.

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