The Evolution and Development of the Theory of the National Question in Relation to Territorial Integrity in the Thought of the Organization of Iranian People’s Fedai Guerrillas

Baseri, Enseieh

doi:10.22034/te.2026.453087.1295

The Evolution and Development of the Theory of the National Question in Relation to Territorial Integrity in the Thought of the Organization of Iranian People’s Fedai Guerrillas

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Enseieh Baseri

Student of pajohesjadeh Emam Khomeiny

10.22034/te.2026.453087.1295

Abstract

This study examines the issues of territorial integrity and the national question in Iran from the perspective of Behzad Karimi, leader of the Kurdistan branch of the Organization of Iranian People’s Fedai Guerrillas. Following the victory of the Islamic Revolution, the organization, drawing on Marxist–Leninist teachings and Stalinist interpretations of the right to self-determination of nations, adopted an approach that, in practice, supported broad forms of autonomy and even separatist tendencies in certain regions. The research hypothesis is based on the premise that the lack of a broad social base and the absence of majority public support for separatist policies were the main factors behind their failure and prompted a change in the positions of some of the movement’s leaders. Employing a historical method and analytical approach, and relying on library sources as well as an interview with the leader of the Kurdistan branch, the study finds that the organization’s initial policy of supporting extensive autonomy and separatist inclinations failed due to insufficient public backing. Consequently, Behzad Karimi retreated from his initial separatist stance and acknowledged the necessity of preserving the country’s territorial unity. This shift marked a turning point in the organization’s

Keywords

Keywords: National Question

Fadaiyan Khalq Guerrillas organization

Behzad karimi

Transform the Land

The majority

Subjects