Discursive Pattern Changes of the Iranian Opposition during the 'Woman Life Freedom' protests (2022-2024)

The 'Woman, Life, Freedom' protests mark the most significant critical juncture in contemporary Iranian political history. Despite months of nationwide protests and strong initial backing for forming an opposition coalition, the movement splintered with severe fragmentation. This thesis examines the puzzle of the failed consolidation of a political coalition and the resulting fragmentation, with a focus on the discursive institution of oppositionality. Using Critical Discourse Analysis, Discursive Pattern Analysis, and Episodic Discursive Analysis, this research deconstructs the evolving discourse among opposition groups. The study identifies the transition of discursive patterns from solidarity to hostility, attributed to the frame alignment strategies of the legacy opposition and the resultant hostile discourse from in-group consolidation efforts. The findings reveal that opposition groups' strategic maneuvers to hegemonize the WLF narrative contributed to increased fragmentation, challenging the movement's potential for unified consolidation. This thesis provides a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics shaping Iran's political opposition, offering insights for future scholarly exploration and practical implications for opposition movements globally.