In the year 2023, the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement in Iran sparked conversations about the country’s future government from various points of view. Within this evolving environment, some social groups have expressed the view that establishing democracy in Iran is currently either unfeasible or highly improbable. The public’s opinions and political discourse are frequently shaped by deeply rooted historical, cultural, and social factors. These perspectives regularly surface as a result of these circumstances. This paper intends to conduct an in-depth investigation of these many points of view by examining them through the lens of Montesquieu’s The Spirit of the Laws, which investigates the interaction of geographical, social, and cultural factors as determinants of political systems. Montesquieu, a prominent figure in political philosophy, placed a strong emphasis on the role that social features and geographical conditions have in the formation of political climates for their respective regions.

This foundation will serve as the basis for my subsequent application of Edward Said’s postcolonial theory, allowing me to provide a nuanced critique of Montesquieu’s approach. By analysing how colonial histories and global power dynamics influence local battles for democracy, Said’s work makes it possible to evaluate these factors. Through the utilization of this theoretical viewpoint, I hope to question the widely held belief that democracy is not a viable option in Iran. Furthermore, this investigation will explore potential pathways toward its realization, with a particular focus on the significance of grassroots movements and international solidarity in cultivating a democratic future.