UCLA experts: Protests in Iran and the U.S. response

The struggling economy in Iran and resulting protests have brought a violent crackdown by the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei-led government, with at least 4,500 dead and more than 26,000 arrested, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency. A U.S. aircraft carrier and destroyers are reportedly advancing to the region. As tensions rise, UCLA experts can share their expertise and historical context on current protests and crackdowns, the U.S. response, and recent shifts in the world order under President Trump.

Dalia Dassa Kaye

Kaye is a senior fellow at the UCLA Burkle Center for International Relations and director of its Initiative on Regional Security Architectures. She has extensive professional experience in research, policy analysis and public policy leadership. Her expertise includes U.S. policy in the Middle East and Arab-Israeli conflict and diplomacy.

She can comment on Middle East policy and Iran nuclear diplomacy.

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Benjamin Radd

Radd is a lecturer in law at the UCLA School of Law and in global studies, international and area studies at the UCLA College. He is also a senior fellow at the Burkle Center for International Relations, a research fellow with the UCLA Center for Middle East Development and a member of the UCLA International Institute. His expertise is in the Middle East - especially Iran - and U.S. foreign policy.

He can comment on American policy in the Middle East.

Email: [email protected]

Kevan Harris

Harris is vice chair of UCLA's sociology department, where he is also an associate professor, and a member of the UCLA International Institute. He has conducted comprehensive research into social stratification and mobility in Iran. His expertise is in economic development, history and social movements in the Middle East.

He can comment on development and social change within Iranian politics and society.

Email: [email protected]