Why did Foucault see the Iranian Revolution as such a pivotal event?

These days mark the centenary of the birth of French philosopher Michel Foucault. In Iran, he saw a unique event with the potential not only to replace an oppressive regime with a more enlightened one, but also to address a deeper philosophical problem

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Why did Foucault see the Iranian Revolution as such a pivotal event?

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Illustration: Eran Volkovsky

These days mark the centenary of the birth of French philosopher Michel Foucault. In Iran, he saw a unique event with the potential not only to replace an oppressive regime with a more enlightened one, but also to address a deeper philosophical problem

Gal Hertz

09:08 AM • April 01 2026 IDT

French philosopher Michel Foucault's enthusiastic support for the Islamic Revolution in Iran (1978-79) served not only as a basis for accusations against him and disdain for his theories, but also for a sweeping dismissal of left-wing postmodern thought's challenge to binary distinctions – between West and East, liberal secularism and religious subjugation.

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