Confronting Iran’s Threat to Global Security: Can a Constitutional Revolution Rise Amid Escalating Tensions with Israel?

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Confronting Iran’s Threat to Global Security: Can a Constitutional Revolution Rise Amid Escalating Tensions with Israel?

4 November @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

As tensions escalate between the Islamic regime in Iran and Israel, it’s evident that the regime poses a threat not only to the Iranian people but to global stability. While listing the IRGC as a terrorist organization by all free nations is crucial, more decisive actions are needed at this pivotal moment. 

The Khamenei’s regime supported and sponsored the October 7th attack on Israel through its proxies and has launched over 400 ballistic missiles and drones at Israel in the past year. The international community must stand with both Israel and the Iranian people, confronting a regime that threatens Israel’s existence and disrupts global security. 

Once Israel rightfully defends itself and responds to Iran’s recent missile attacks, a window may open for the Iranian people to rise against the regime and complete their constitutional revolution under the slogan “Woman, Life, Liberty.” This could allow the Iranian people to establish a democratic government that truly represents them, enabling Iran to live peacefully and harmoniously with the rest of the world. 

The free nations of the world have a moral obligation to support the Iranian people and stand with them on the right side of history. But how can this transition be achieved without creating a power vacuum? 

Can such a shift occur, given the current reality where religious leaders govern the country? 

In his recent book, The Spirit of the Constitutional Law, Amir Abbas Fakhravar outlines practical mechanisms for such a transition, drawing from Iran’s history and other historical case studies. His research also suggests ways to resolve complex conflicts, such as the Israel-Hamas war, and to address the challenges posed by Iran’s IRGC-backed proxies, including the Houthis and Hezbollah. 

The Henry Jackson Society is pleased to welcome back Iranian dissident Amir Fakhravar to discuss whether the time has come for Iran to adopt a universal, ideology-free constitution and whether this transition could be realized in today’s Iran—ultimately enhancing its international standing. 

Amir Abbas Fakhravar, also known as Siavash, is an esteemed Iranian-American writer and scholar of constitutional law. Amir’s life took a dramatic turn when, at the young age of sixteen he was arrested by the authorities of the Islamic regime of Iran. This marked the beginning of a series of arrests during his time in medical school and law school. As a political prisoner in Evin Prison, he authored a novel which was shortlisted for the prestigious Paulo Coelho Literature Award. In November 2004, International PEN recognized Amir Fakhravar on “the Day of the Imprisoned Writer”English PEN and PEN Canada also bestowed honorary awards upon him in the same year. During his imprisonment, Amir was subjected to “white torture”, the first such incident in Iran documented by Amnesty International. In 2006, Amir Fakhravar managed to escape Evin Prison with the assistance of the George W. Bush administration. He later testified before both the Senate Homeland Security Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. In 2010, Amir began teaching “Democratic Transition” at the Institute of World Politics in Washington, D.C., as a research fellow and visiting lecturer. Since December 2013, he has been instructing courses including “Comparative Constitutional Law” at the Texas State University System as an adjunct professor. Amir is aptly recognized as “The Persian Thomas Jefferson” for his pivotal role in crafting a proposed constitution for a future Iran. He has had the privilege of addressing both the United States Congress and the UK Parliament on multiple occasions.

Photo courtesy of https://members.parliament.uk/member/4005/portrait

Bob Blackman has been the Conservative Member of Parliament for Harrow East since the 2010 General Election. Throughout his parliamentary career, Bob has held numerous influential roles, including Chairman of the 1922 Committee and serving on three Select Committees. He has also been active in over 72 All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs). Bob’s legislative contributions include spearheading the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023. In recognition of his 37 years of political and public service, Bob was awarded a C.B.E in The King’s Birthday Honours List 2023.

Before entering Parliament, Bob worked for British Telecom (BT) in various sales and management roles, eventually becoming the Regulatory Compliance Manager. He also held sales positions at Unisys/Burroughs Machines.

In addition to his national political work, Bob was the Greater London Assembly Member for Brent & Harrow from 2004 to 2008 and served as a Brent Councillor for 24 years, including as leader of Brent Council from 1991 to 1996. His tenure in local government is remembered for cutting local taxes and improving services.

Dr Alan Mendoza is a Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Henry Jackson Society, Britain’s leading think tank and policy force fighting for the principles and alliances which keep societies free. He directs strategy for the organisation as well as acting as its main public face in mediums as diverse as the BBC, Sky, CNBC, Al-Jazeera, CNN, Fox News, GB News, Bloomberg, LBC and TalkTV. On the print side, Alan has contributed to The Times, The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Sun and a host of international newspapers and magazines.

Having obtained a B.A. (Hons.) and M.Phil in history at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, Alan completed a Ph.D. at the same institution. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and is a Councillor for the City of Westminster ward of Abbey Road (St John’s Wood). He is also a Trustee of The President Reagan Memorial Fund Trust.

 

This event is IN-PERSON.

Registration for this event has closed.  If you have any questions, please contact us at rsvp@henryjacksonsociety.org.

 

Details

Date:
4 November
Time:
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Venue

Houses of Parliament
Westminster
London, SW1A 0AA United Kingdom
+ Google Map

Organiser

Henry Jackson Society
Phone
+44 (0) 20 7340 4520
Email
rsvp@henryjacksonsociety.org

Other

SPEAKER
Amir A. Fakhravar, Bob Blackman MP, Dr Alan Mendoza

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