UNH Professor Calls for Shift in Iranian Power

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  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/03/2 .. -professor-calls-for-shift-in-iranian-power.html
  Published in House and Home on Saturday, March 21st 2026 at 16:58 GMT by WMUR
      Locales: UNITED STATES, IRAN (ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF)

MANCHESTER, N.H. - Dr. Kenneth Schwartz, a political science professor at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), has publicly expressed his hope for a significant shift in power within Iran, a sentiment reflecting growing international concern over the nation's internal policies and external ambitions. In a recent interview, Dr. Schwartz detailed his rationale, citing a confluence of factors including persistent and severe human rights abuses, and the ongoing development of Iran's nuclear program as key drivers for his belief that the current Iranian government is unsustainable.

Dr. Schwartz's assessment, delivered against the backdrop of escalating tensions throughout the Middle East, isn't simply a wish for abstract political change. He frames it as a necessary, albeit potentially fraught, step towards regional and global stability. "I think the situation in Iran is untenable," he stated, emphasizing the urgency of the issues at hand. "The human rights abuses are egregious, and the nuclear program continues to be a threat to regional and global stability."

Reports from numerous international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, consistently document systemic abuses within Iran. These range from suppression of free speech and assembly, to arbitrary detentions, unfair trials, and the use of the death penalty, particularly targeting dissidents, journalists, and those belonging to minority groups. The recent crackdown on protests, especially those led by women following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, highlighted the brutal methods employed by the Iranian government to maintain control, and the deep-seated discontent simmering beneath the surface. The Amini case sparked widespread demonstrations demanding greater freedoms and accountability, only to be met with violent suppression and mass arrests.

The Iranian nuclear program is equally contentious. While Iranian officials maintain that their nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes - primarily energy production and medical isotopes - international observers, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), have expressed concerns about the program's potential to be weaponized. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, offered a temporary framework for limiting Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the United States' withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 under the Trump administration led to a resurgence of tensions and a rapid acceleration of Iran's nuclear capabilities. Negotiations to revive the deal have stalled, leaving the future of the program uncertain.

Dr. Schwartz believes a combination of internal pressure from the Iranian populace and sustained, targeted international sanctions could potentially create the conditions for a regime change. He acknowledges, however, that this is a complex and precarious proposition. "It's not a simple matter," he cautioned. "A regime change could lead to chaos and further conflict. But the current regime is also causing immense suffering."

The potential for instability following a regime change is a valid concern. Iran is a strategically important nation, bordering several volatile countries and playing a significant role in regional power dynamics. A sudden collapse of the current government could create a power vacuum, potentially leading to civil war, increased sectarian violence, and a surge in refugee flows. Furthermore, the involvement of external actors - including regional rivals such as Saudi Arabia and Israel - could further complicate the situation.

However, proponents of regime change argue that the long-term benefits of a more accountable and rights-respecting government outweigh the risks. They point to the potential for greater economic opportunity, improved regional stability, and a reduction in support for extremist groups. The challenge lies in navigating the transition in a way that minimizes disruption and maximizes the chances of a peaceful and democratic outcome. Many analysts suggest a carefully phased approach, coupled with robust international support for civil society groups and pro-democracy movements within Iran, could be crucial.

The professor's comments arrive at a critical juncture, as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate with conflicts in Gaza and Yemen, and the ongoing presence of proxy groups supported by Iran in countries such as Lebanon and Syria. The situation demands a nuanced and comprehensive approach, balancing the need to address urgent humanitarian concerns with the long-term goal of fostering a more stable and peaceful region.