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The economics of social unrest in Iran 

While the protests themselves are unsurprising, given the economic crises plaguing the country, the fact that they were centered in the southwestern province of Khuzestan is significant.

Iran economy
An Iranian shops at a food store in the capital Tehran on May 13, 2021, as prices on basic goods soar. Hundreds of people have taken to the streets in cities across Iran to protest the government's decision to raise the prices of essential goods, state media reported today. — AFP via Getty Images

Iran is witnessing a new wave of social protest in reaction to the price hikes caused by the government’s reforms of direct and indirect subsidies. The public is unhappy with prolonged high inflation eating into purchasing power. Aside from the political consequences of these protests, the socio-economic damage will further weaken the Iranian economy. 

An academic analysis of the costs of social unrest, using the International Monetary Fund’s methodology, is not possible due to lack of accurate data. Therefore, we will look at some anecdotal, but interrelated facts and developments. 

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