Javad Emam Jomeh Zadeh; Zohreh Marandi
Abstract
Based on sociological and philosophical interpretations, there are two perspectives on democracy. Sociologically, democratic institutions take precedence over democratic thought and culture in practice. At the same time, the philosophical approach prioritizes the culture and theoretical foundations of ...
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Based on sociological and philosophical interpretations, there are two perspectives on democracy. Sociologically, democratic institutions take precedence over democratic thought and culture in practice. At the same time, the philosophical approach prioritizes the culture and theoretical foundations of democracy. Hence, some speak of the primacy of democracy over philosophy, and others of the primacy of philosophy over democracy. The main question now is according to which of the above democratic channels are the seventh and eighth administrations analyzed after the Islamic Republic of Iran? The authors of this article have tried to show that these administrations are evaluated using the conceptual possibilities of the philosophy priority approach to democracy. Accordingly, the main hypothesis states that solving the problems facing the seventh and eighth administrations in the context of democracy requires a philosophical approach. In this regard, this article tries to provide a suitable platform for understanding the process of democracy and proving the main hypothesis by presenting theoretical components such as human attitude to development, education of political knowledge, political culture, political development and political wisdom. The theoretical framework of this article is the priority of philosophy over democracy, which carries its philosophical theme well, especially by emphasizing awareness and knowledge before democratic action in the thoughts of Seyed Javad Tabatabai, Reza Davari Ardakani and Mostafa Malekian. The precedence of view over action shows that all three thinkers consider political, economic and social opportunities in society as a reflection of previously-trained actions of individuals, and in this regard, their thoughts can be a model. They are good for analyzing the actions of the seventh and eighth administrations. Paying attention to the conceptual possibilities of the theoretical model in the article shows that understanding and analyzing the state of democracy in the seventh and eighth administrations is theoretically very important. Therefore, the method of this research is descriptive and analytical and is evaluated with reference to the library method.
Seyed Mohammad Tabatabaei
Abstract
Following the national revolutions which caused the creation of a new formation of state known as nation-state, we have witnessed the practical implementation of Theories of Separation of Powers. Ever since, the functional principles of organizing power in the modern state were based on the new theories ...
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Following the national revolutions which caused the creation of a new formation of state known as nation-state, we have witnessed the practical implementation of Theories of Separation of Powers. Ever since, the functional principles of organizing power in the modern state were based on the new theories about the separation of powers and their different perceptions. As a matter of fact, in order to prevent the centralization of power and to build a better organization of political affairs on the basis of Theory of Separation of Powers, the nation-states tried to the divide political power into three branches: the executive, the legislative and the judicial powers and separate them on the basis of their structures and functions. The present paper will attempt to identify the cause and the extent of remoteness or closeness of the ternary shapes of the combination of powers, relative or complete separation of powers of the known principles of democracy. The basic argument of the present research is based on the point that the true and complete implementation of the principle of “check and balance” among the ternary branches has caused more limitation on the power and constructive interactions; as a result, in a lenient system of the contribution of powers we witness the creation of a kind of “power equation” and “democratic balance” through the relative separation of powers.
Fariborz Aarghavani; Fatemeh Forootan
Abstract
The article’s aim is to study the intellectual bases of formation and continuity of authoritarian state in China. The main question is why china’s political society up to now has helped to form and to continue authoritarian state in this country, while many of the other countries has experienced ...
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The article’s aim is to study the intellectual bases of formation and continuity of authoritarian state in China. The main question is why china’s political society up to now has helped to form and to continue authoritarian state in this country, while many of the other countries has experienced some forms of democracy. This article, to answer the question, by presupposing some factors such as vast territory, agricultural economy and foreign invasion argues that the study of china’s intellectual bases and political thought in three era, ancient- middle and contemporary, shows us that the tradition of authoritarian state in china is deep and it is due to intellectual bases. In other words, political and intellectual thought in various ages has helped to create and reinforce authoritarian state in china. Strong influence of political thought in ancient era, middle era on china’s political action and continuity of Confucius’s tradition and communism are some of the main aspects and factors of the problem. Study of more important political thought about state nature, discussion on some aspects of powerful and authoritarian state in china and introducing china’s political thought in various eras that encourage state power are the main section of the article.
Aliashraf Nazari; Borhan Salimi
Abstract
Purpose: In recent decades, the far-right populist parties and movements, after a recess (in Germany and Italy between the two world wars), have returned to the political scene of European democracy. Return of populism to the political scene of Western Europe in the form of far-right movements rooted ...
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Purpose: In recent decades, the far-right populist parties and movements, after a recess (in Germany and Italy between the two world wars), have returned to the political scene of European democracy. Return of populism to the political scene of Western Europe in the form of far-right movements rooted in the failure of the traditional parties in a sufficient and adequate response to issues such as globalization, economy and culture, speed and direction of integration in Europe, the issue of migration and immigration, the decline of ideologies, decreased interest in political participation and cynicism and distrust of citizens to politicians. Findings: In recent decades, Far-right parties not only have been able to present tangibly in the political life of their communities, but also have attained great successes in electoral processes. Extreme right-wing populism in recent decades is only a model of populism in political sociology. The elements and features of this model of populism are a romantic concepttion of the people, a charismatic leader, pessimistic view of democratic institutions such as political parties and parliament (the inability of these institutions in the realization of the will and sovereignty of the people), plain language, propaganda, political rhetoric, criticizing the ruling elite, conspiracy theory in speech and political literature, and the lack of a coherent program in various aspects. This model of right-wing populism can have significant consequences. It can lead to the serious obstacles to the process of integration of Muslim immigrants in French society. On the other hand, the strengthening of radical Islamism can lead to the spread of terrorist activities. Design/Methodology/Approach: In this paper, we use interpretive and analytical-theoretical method to discuss the French National Front as the most prominent representative of the extreme right in this country's political scene. Originality/Value: The main finding of this paper is that through new forms of communication, populist parties have been able to communicate with citizens and their representatives. Despair of traditional policies has drawn citizens’ attention to populist parties and movements. The combination of demagogic promises and slogans such as complete and real democracy, extremely hostile attitude to the ruling parties and immigration restrictations have shaped these parties and movements.
Mohsen Khalili
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of the present paper with emphasis on the main and original functions of states is showing the supremacy of state in the time of hegemony of the instruments and concepts of cyberspace over the linkage between rulers and obedient; although, the citizens have become more agile and more ...
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Purpose: The aim of the present paper with emphasis on the main and original functions of states is showing the supremacy of state in the time of hegemony of the instruments and concepts of cyberspace over the linkage between rulers and obedient; although, the citizens have become more agile and more aware too. E-government refers to the use by government institutions of information technologies that have the ability to transform relations with citizens, businesses, and other branches of government. These technologies can serve a variety of different ends: better delivery of government services to citizens, improved interactions with business and industry, citizen empowerment through access to information, or more efficient government management. As we speak of E- government as an instrument, concept and process, indeed, we have spoken of the continuity of the old phenomenon in response to the new questions of new governing a society. Electronic government is made of the distinguishable distinction between the old and the new definitions and functions of states with these advantages: The use of E- government, as a tool to achieve better government; the use of information and communication technologies in all facets of the operations of a government organization; the continuous optimization of service delivery, constituency participation and governance by transforming internal and external relationships through technology, the Internet and new media. The ultimate goal of the e-government is to be able to offer an increased portfolio of public services to citizens in an efficient and cost effective manner. E-government helps simplify processes and makes government information more easily accessible for public sector agencies and citizens. Design/Methodology/Approach: This paper is formed and based on the critical paradigm with the descriptive method for comparison explanation of the new perception of the legitimacy. Findings: The new achievement of this paper is reconfirmation of the classic and original mechanisms of all of states; such as force, enticement, persuasion, compulsion, command, requirement, replacement, dismissal, law and order. But, primary reason of governmentality in the era of the electronic government has changed to a triangle of rightfulness, lawfulness and effectiveness. The intent of original and first reason of statesmanship is the immemorial concept of legitimacy. Now, in the consequence of the new finding of the present paper, it seems that the question (why we ought to obey the government?) is not sufficient and correct. In other words, nowadays the new question (how does state become stable and continuous?) has been more efficient and right. Originality/Value: Cyberspace is an indicative of the new epoch which contains much difference with former period. Some new concepts of the space of politics such as globalization, global village, electronic state, cyberspace, cyber democracy, virtual civil society, have caused to change the operations of states. States, in the newfound of the era of virtualization of politics, use the soft power, such as propaganda, influence, parade, integration, exhibiting, attraction, and mentality making for durability.
Seyyed Mohammad Tabatabaei
Abstract
Purpose: A fundamental salubrious feature of western liberal democratic system of government is political parties which compete for power. Parties in western liberal democracies are crucial in that the political systems are divided into different bipartisan, single-party, and multiparty categories ...
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Purpose: A fundamental salubrious feature of western liberal democratic system of government is political parties which compete for power. Parties in western liberal democracies are crucial in that the political systems are divided into different bipartisan, single-party, and multiparty categories according to criteria as number of parties, role and special functions, and interactions among parties. The sheer diversity of the parties and ideological rift, which are closely related, indicates the health and vitality of the democratic system. With this in mind, it is argued that political behavior and competition in elections are interpreted in a framework informed by a single most important entity, i.e., political party. In the third millennium, with party system and political success and stability of states tightly associated, a question looming around relates the new mechanizations of democracy and party system. This is the major focus of the present article. Design/Methodology/Approach: To achieve the major focus of the present article which is an attempt to provide some answers to the above questions through bringing into the light issues as democracy and party system, the place and role of parties in legislative process in western democracies, power transition between parties, and typology of political parties, in a qualitative undertaking. Findings: In West, political parties are formed due to democratization and liberalization processes of the societies; and formation of party system is an essential stage in political development trend. It is believed that in liberal-democratic systems, political pluralism is abridged in political partisanship and peaceful competition among parties for gaining power. If, nowadays partisanship is an inseparable element of western political life, however it has not completely responded towards requirements and could be problem in democracy, their presence could be also considered as a barrier against political pluralism; because today, political pluralism is limited to competition of certain state parties which are not able to provide real democracy due to burdening their political will on national and nation’s will. Actually, state parties foreclose equality of opportunities and parity of facilities and accordingly, chance of any kind of power from other political groups and biases and thus prevent continues and real flow of power by concentrating power in their own hands. If partisanship has been dual of liberal-democratic system at first, however, according to enhancement of role and power of political parties and their internalization, democracy or ruling of people on people is gradually replaced by ruling of parties. Originality/Value: The main logic of the present research is laid on the hypothesis that “increasing governmental political parties” and “partisanship of western governments” has caused the establishment of “partitocratic state (party oriented state)” and challenging “democracy” by “partitocracy”. In present era, individual and plural thoughts are replaced by party reasoning; and national and public will is turned to party will. Therefore, today, national politics and policy of the nation are prescribed by political parties which are turned to part of governments, and those governments which are abridged in political parties. This process is called as foundation of “partitocratic state (party oriented state)” in western communities.
