Date of Award

5-2-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Liberal Studies

College

College of Humanities and Fine Arts

First Advisor

Joseph Fitsanakis

Second Advisor

Sara Brallier

Third Advisor

Linsay Cramer

Additional Advisors

Christopher Gunn

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the People’s Mujahideen of Iran (MEK), an Iranian oppositional group that has engaged in a decades-long effort to depose the Iranian government. The goal of this thesis has three parts. First, it examines if the MEK should be classified as a new religious movement/cult. It also addresses the implications of such status given the MEK’s claims that it functions as a democratic entity and that it can be trusted to govern Iran in democratic fashion. Secondly, it examines if Iranian disinformation has influenced the MEK’s reputation. Thirdly, it analyses how the MEK has been able to convince its members, the public, and major state actors of its new-found peaceful persona through the use of media propaganda. In light of this project’s findings, this thesis investigates the relationship between the MEK and Western intelligence agencies and considers its connection to prominent Western state actors and political figures, who view it as having the potential to succeed the Iranian regime.

To achieve these aims, a multidisciplinary approach is employed, in the form of qualitative thematic analysis.1 This project analyses various texts, including primary MEK and the Iranian government documents, secondary academic sources, reports from intelligence agencies and witness accounts by MEK dissidents. Three primary concepts from Muhammad Naeem et al. criteria for classification as a cult are utilized to assess the MEK: (a) authoritarian, charismatic leadership; (b) ideological exploitation and isolation; (c) physical/emotional abuse and forced labor. It explores the role of propaganda and the use of specific media, such as television, radio and online websites, in the identity and political goals of the MEK. Propaganda is defined as “false or misleading information or ideas addressed to a mass audience by parties who thereby gain advantage”, with that “propaganda is created and disseminated systemically and does not invite critical analysis or response.

This thesis concludes that the MEK does exhibit defined traits of a new religious movement/cult, including the ideological exploitation of its membership, being led by an authoritarian charismatic leader, and inflicting emotional and physical isolation on its followers, all of which are incompatible with the fundamental values of a democratic political organization. It follows that, due to its classification as a cult, the MEK by its very nature stands as the antithesis of structures that allow for full human growth, for promotion of free speech and expression, and for a democratic political change in Iran. Secondly, it concludes that Iranian disinformation has influenced the MEK’s reputation.

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