Abbas Milani, an influential figure in Iranian studies, reflects on his experiences and contributions to the understanding of Iran’s complex history. Milani, who began his academic career as a political science professor in Tehran before the 1979 Iranian Revolution, recalls the tension as Iran transitioned from monarchy to Islamic nationalism under Ayatollah Khomeini.
“I knew disaster was coming,” said Milani. Despite his early doubts about Khomeini’s ideology, he witnessed its rise to prominence and the subsequent societal changes. He described post-revolution Iran as darker than anticipated, with oppressive laws and harsh punishments.
Milani fled to California in 1985 amidst escalating conflict with Iraq. Having studied at institutions like UC Berkeley, he returned to familiar ground but recognized that returning to Iran might never be possible.
His American education during a politically charged era influenced his perspective. He was inspired by figures like Bobby Seale and Mario Savio and joined Iranian students opposing the Shah. His activism led to imprisonment in Evin Prison, where he encountered future leaders of the Islamic Republic.
Reflecting on this period, Milani stated, “I’ve never regretted, for a moment, going to prison.” After leaving Iran, he continued his academic pursuits in the U.S., joining Stanford University in 2003. There he launched the Iranian Studies Program (ISP), focusing on modern Iran’s politics and culture.
Hamid Moghadam praised Milani’s influence: “He’s got a lot of credibility…the voice of reason when people are trying to make sense of conflicting information.” This sentiment echoes throughout the community and academia.
Milani’s work extends beyond teaching; he’s built significant archival collections at Stanford related to Iranian history and culture. These include documents from key political figures like Ardeshir Zahedi.
His efforts have made Stanford an essential center for those studying contemporary Iran. As Kioumars Ghereghlou noted, “The goal from the beginning was to make Stanford an indispensable place for anyone who wants to do something meaningful about the history of Iran.”
Looking forward, Milani remains hopeful for democratic change in Iran: “I hope for the hundred years old dream of secular democracy in Iran…will finally become reality.”
Recognized for his contributions with awards such as the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and Richard W. Lyman Award from Stanford Alumni Association, Milani continues advocating for understanding between cultures through education and preservation of history.
