Comparative Analysis of Resistance and Compromise Discourse

The Office of Scientific Studies and Research of the Research and Technology Vice-Presidency of Women’s Campus, on Sunday, April 12, 2026, held the third scientific meeting of the series on the Second and Third Imposed Wars, virtually, with the title "Comparative Analysis of Resistance and Compromise Discourse."
 

In this session, Dr. Tahereh Mohseni, a faculty member at Imam Sadiq University (Women’s Campus), in line with the comparative analysis of resistance and compromise discourse, addressed the conceptualization of these terms, stating: "The discourse of resistance, especially during the Islamic Revolution of Iran, is a new and challenging discourse against global hegemony. The discourse of compromise, as a counter-discourse, stands against resistance and specifically pertains to negotiation and cooperation with global hegemonic systems."

She continued by referencing the history of compromise and resistance discourse, and analyzed the mentioned discourses, noting: "The discourse of compromise involves accepting the conditions of global oppressors to reduce tensions. This discourse includes accepting international agreements and economic and military cooperation with major powers. The discourse of resistance emphasizes maintaining national independence, cultural, and religious values, believing that countries must stand against global oppressors to preserve their dignity and identity."

The faculty member of Women’s Campus further elaborated on the contradictions within these discourses by introducing examples from countries' experiences, adding: "The discourses of compromise and resistance are fundamentally and ideologically opposed. The discourse of compromise may yield short-term economic benefits but leads to dependence and loss of independence in the long run. However, the discourse of resistance incurs higher costs in the short term but preserves national independence, security, and identity in the long term. The choice between these two discourses depends on a country's priorities and international circumstances."

Dr. Mohseni then discussed the impact of the resistance discourse on Iran's domestic and foreign policy, elaborating on the experience of resistance in countries such as Lebanon, Palestine, and Yemen, and stated: "The discourse of resistance, particularly through soft power, has been able to influence many countries in the region. Iran, as the axis of resistance, has exported the values of this discourse to neighboring countries through cultural, media, and economic channels. The spread of concepts such as the pursuit of justice, independence, and anti-arrogance in the region stems from the soft power of the resistance discourse."

In conclusion, while answering the attendees' questions, she touched upon the costs and benefits of resistance in Iran and explained the economic consequences of the compromise discourse compared to the resistance discourse. In this regard, she highlighted the achievements of resistance in Iran and elaborated on the role of the leaders of the Islamic Revolution of Iran in shaping the discourse of resistance.

• Translated by: Athena Razavi