The economics of social unrest in Iran
While the protests themselves are unsurprising, given the economic crises plaguing the country, the fact that they were centered in the southwestern province of Khuzestan is significant.
Iran is witnessing a new wave of social protest in reaction to the price hikes caused by the government’s reforms of direct and indirect subsidies. The public is unhappy with prolonged high inflation eating into purchasing power. Aside from the political consequences of these protests, the socio-economic damage will further weaken the Iranian economy.
An academic analysis of the costs of social unrest, using the International Monetary Fund’s methodology, is not possible due to lack of accurate data. Therefore, we will look at some anecdotal, but interrelated facts and developments.
