EPISODE · May 11, 2026 · 37 MIN
The Iran Brief: Beyond the Ayatollahs
from All Things Policy · host Takshashila Institution
How much do we really understand about one of the world's most scrutinised, and possibly the most misread political systems? In this episode, Aishwaria Sonavane, Research Analyst, Geostrategy Programme, sits down with Raja Karthikeya, former Political Affairs Officer at the UN Secretariat and drafter of the Security Council's official historical record on the nuclear programme debates, to understand the internal dynamics of this regime. From the layered realities of public sentiment and factional elite competition, to the IRGC's sprawling economic empire and the unintended consequences of decades of sanctions, Raja helps us understand how power actually works in Tehran, and why the "regime on the brink" narrative keeps getting the story wrong.Are you passionate about shaping India's future? Keen to find solutions for India's most pressing challenges? Look no further than Takshashila's Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy. This 48-weekend programme will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and network needed to pivot to a meaningful career in public policy. Apply at school.takshashila.org.in/pgp by June 1st. The programme begins by June 20th. Hope to see you there!All Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.Find out more on our research and other work here: https://takshashila.org.in/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
What this episode covers
How much do we really understand about one of the world's most scrutinised, and possibly the most misread political systems? In this episode, Aishwaria Sonavane, Research Analyst, Geostrategy Programme, sits down with Raja Karthikeya, former Political Affairs Officer at the UN Secretariat and drafter of the Security Council's official historical record on the nuclear programme debates, to understand the internal dynamics of this regime. From the layered realities of public sentiment and factional elite competition, to the IRGC's sprawling economic empire and the unintended consequences of decades of sanctions, Raja helps us understand how power actually works in Tehran, and why the "regime on the brink" narrative keeps getting the story wrong.Are you passionate about shaping India's future? Keen to find solutions for India's most pressing challenges? Look no further than Takshashila's Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy. This 48-weekend programme will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and network needed to pivot to a meaningful career in public policy. Apply at school.takshashila.org.in/pgp by June 1st. The programme begins by June 20th. Hope to see you there!All Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.Find out more on our research and other work here: https://takshashila.org.in/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
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The Iran Brief: Beyond the Ayatollahs
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