How oppositions are constructed by using international reference points - using Iran as a case study

What is it about?

Opposition groups are not only institutional, but also discursively and socially constructed. They can draw on domestic sources while doing this, but little research has been done on how they use the "International" as a resource. We argue that they do so using three reference points: the construction of affiliations, references to international standards, and comparison with reference societies.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Opposition in authoritarianism is an emerging research topic. Rather than focus on transformation or institutional opposition, we look at social and discursive processes of oppositionality related to the International. This allows for a more thorough understanding for oppositionality and political dynamics in authoritarian states.

Perspectives