Potkin Azarmehr- Senior Fellow, Forum for Foreign Relations

Potkin Azarmehr is a Senior Fellow at the Forum for Foreign Relations, specialising in Iranian affairs, democratic movements, information warfare, and Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Born in Iran and educated in the United Kingdom, Potkin has spent decades at the forefront of exposing authoritarian regimes, with a particular focus on the Islamic Republic of Iran’s internal repression and external subversion strategies.

A veteran journalist, documentary filmmaker, and human rights advocate, Potkin’s investigative work has shone a light on Tehran’s propaganda apparatus, disinformation campaigns, and the regime's attempts to export its ideology beyond its borders. His writings and reports have been widely cited by policymakers, academics, and international media, offering sharp, first-hand insight into the nexus between authoritarianism, political Islam, and global security threats.

Potkin has collaborated with pro-democracy activists inside Iran and across the Iranian diaspora, using both traditional media and modern digital platforms to counter censorship and mobilise civil resistance. His expertise in grassroots movements, combined with a deep understanding of Iranian political culture, enables him to analyse emerging trends with exceptional clarity.

At the Forum for Foreign Relations, Potkin focuses on exposing malign influence operations, supporting democratic resilience, and advocating for a rules-based international order. He brings an unflinching commitment to truth, freedom, and strategic clarity to all of his work.

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