Research Article
Women, Resistance, and Digital Activism: The “Woman, Life, Freedom” Movement in Iran
Amara Sehar Qureshi*
,
Tabasum Firdous
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
137-143
Received:
4 June 2026
Accepted:
18 June 2026
Published:
8 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jpsir.20260903.11
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Abstract: Iranian Contemporary politics took a sharp turn towards global feminist resistance after the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022 who was arrested and assaulted by Iran’s morality police for allegedly violating mandatory hijab laws. Her death sparked nationwide demonstration under the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom”. The movement evolved into a broader revolutionary movement against authoritarian patriarchy, gender discrimination, censorship, and systemic repression in the Islamic Republic of Iran. This chapter studies the Iranian uprising through feminist theory, digital activism studies, postcolonial perspectives, historical analysis, and human rights discourse. It contends that the movement represents at its core a fight for bodily autonomy, democratic participation, gender equality, dignity, and political freedom. It further compares the uprising with the French Revolution, the Russian Revolution, and the Sudanese Revolution to explore the patterns, drivers and outcomes of global revolts. The paper argues that the modern media platforms such as Instagram, X, Telegram, and TikTok are vital in mobilizing resistance, documenting state brutality, and constructing global solidarity networks. Digital media transformed Iranian women from subjects of state regulation to vocal political activists capable of pushing back authoritarian narratives in real time. The chapter also discovers the paradoxes of digital feminism, counting algorithmic sensationalism, cyber surveillance, internet shutdowns, and state repression. In addition, the chapter analyses the historical evolution of Iran from a comparatively liberalizing monarchy under the Pahlavi era to a theocratic state governed by Islamic jurisprudence after the 1979 Revolution. It examines how the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement may shape the future of Iran and discusses how Iranian governance could balance women’s liberties with theological principles through democratic reforms, reinterpretations of Islamic jurisprudence, and inclusive political participation.
Abstract: Iranian Contemporary politics took a sharp turn towards global feminist resistance after the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022 who was arrested and assaulted by Iran’s morality police for allegedly violating mandatory hijab laws. Her death sparked nationwide demonstration under the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom”. The movement evolved into a bro...
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Research Article
Geopolitics of Buddhism and Its Impact in Buddha’s Birthplace
Madhav Thapa*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
144-154
Received:
13 June 2026
Accepted:
25 June 2026
Published:
17 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jpsir.20260903.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Nepal, the birthplace of lord Buddha, a cultural corridor, and transmission of Buddhism between Indian and Chinese civilizations is transforming into the geopolitical battleground of Buddhism between India, China and USA on the verge of selection of the 15th Dalai Lama. The study aims at studying the geopolitics of Buddhism in the Himalayas, the probable conflict between the Dalai Lama Foundation and Beijing regarding the selection of the 15th Dalai Lama and its implications on the birthplace of Lord Buddha-Nepal. The study adopts Alexander E. Wendt’s ‘Agent-Structure Problem in International Relation Theory’ to analyse the actors of geopolitics and structural culture in the Buddhism geopolitics of the Himalayas. The study is qualitative in design and primarily based in secondary data collected through various journal articles, books and websites. The primary data required for the study are collected through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to understand the Buddhist diplomacy and geopolitics of Buddhism on the selection of the 15th Dalai Lama. The study discovers that the conflict is inevitable between Dalai Lama and Beijing on the reincarnation of the 15th Dalai Lama which leads to the selection of two Dalai Lamas. It brings clear division and confusion among the Buddhist communities all over the world which will shape the security and political dynamics of the Himalayas nations. The study confirms Nepal will be more sufferer on the Buddhism geopolitics among the big powers which is more likely to raise question on its non-alignment and neutrality policy.
Abstract: Nepal, the birthplace of lord Buddha, a cultural corridor, and transmission of Buddhism between Indian and Chinese civilizations is transforming into the geopolitical battleground of Buddhism between India, China and USA on the verge of selection of the 15th Dalai Lama. The study aims at studying the geopolitics of Buddhism in the Himalayas, the pr...
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