The Silent Exodus: How a Theocratic Revolution Silenced a Nation's Arts and Forged a New Cultural Capital in America

12. Pre-Existing Ties to the West: The Pahlavi regime had pursued Westernizing policies, and many artists had already collaborated with Western musicians, been educated abroad, or were deeply familiar with Western cultural norms. This existing connection made the United States a more natural and practical choice for relocation than other parts of the world.