In a Near East that is boiling over, where popular revolts are challenging the established dictatorial regimes, the Iranian regime seems to be keeping its course, despite fresh and draconian international sanctions.

Although the media only mention Iran in connection with the tug of war over the nuclear issue, the dynamics of change at work within Iranian society, the development of the Iranian regime's relations with its neighbours, the splits in the very heart of the regime all deserve discussion and thought, to understand better this country whose future is of the highest importance for the region's peace and security.

Distancing itself from the discussions on the nuclear issue, which often monopolise the front pages in Europe, this symposium hopes to provide some material for understanding the Iranian situation since Ahmedinjad`s first term in office (2005) at this time of «Arab Springs» and fresh sanctions.

How can we draw a map of the political and social movements of the Iranian populations?

Where, today, are the feminist struggles of the turn of the 2000s?

Who are the actors of the 'cyberspace' who, in the contest of the strict control of the press, became the main vector of a number of communications and parallel associations in the urban centres?

What is the situation of the protest movements amongst the non-Persian peoples (Azeris, Kurds, Arabs, Baluchis, Turkomenians) who, together make up 60% of the Iranian population, whose fates and aspirations are so often ignored?

What is the impact of the Syrian civil war on Teheran's regional relations? Can the struggle for regional influence between Turkey and Iran degenerate into conflict?

Some Iranian and Western experts are called on to bring their light on these questions and on the condition of Iranian society, which is in a state of crisis.