Islamic Revolution Research

Abstract Jurisprudential teachings have a pivotal role in the compilation of large scale strategies of Islamic Republic of Iran's foreign policy. Given the key position of hakim shar' [governor of shari'a] in an Islamic society, the author has tried to investigate one of the most important challenges faced by Islamic Republic of Iran's foreign policy from the very first day of its activity up to the present day through an analysis and study of jurisprudential arguments with an emphasis on Imam Khomeini's (PBUH) thoughts. About the permissibility or impermissibility of relations with an arrogant power, followers of permissibility and impermissibility of relations have provided strong arguments. However, the important issue in the case of contradiction of arguments is how to reach a compromise. Based on the findings of this research, the author expresses the impermissibility as the first alternative for the issue in question and later the principle of expedience as the second alternative. Then, he introduces pivotal principle for how to treat an arrogant power and considers hakim shar' as the executer of the principle (as the one who wields the expedience) who issues his verdict having considered the viewpoints of experts in this regard.    

Abstract Allame Shahid Mortaza Motahhari is among few scholars who paid special attention to study and reject interpolations in Ashura. His special attention to these issues combined with a contrastive study casts a serious doubt on narrations that spoils the message of Ashura and questions the originality of Imam Hussein's ('a) great reformist movement. Therefore the current article tries to find the answer to this question: what are the primary distinctive features of Shahid Motahhari's viewpoints in his fight against interpolations in the historical accounts of Ashura.

Abstract The current article studies the relationship between the behaviors of two important phenomena in international system in twentieth century, one of which has emanated from Christianity called "western civilization" and the other is rooted in Islam based on political viewpoints of Haji Agha Mojtahed-e Shirazi. Haji Agha Shirazi analyzes western civilization as the dominant power and Islamic world as an oppressed and under pressure ummah [nation]. He believes that west has neglected the primary reason of reaction namely "belittlement" of nations and based on this, he predicts a definite "great Islamic awakening" in twentieth century in reaction to the behavior of western civilization. This article’s main inquiry is to study whether this Islamic movement can fit into the victory of Islamic revolution of Iran led by Imam Khomeini (PBUH). Findings of this article indicate that characteristics and objectives of this movement fit those of Islamic revolution.

Abstract One of the most important socio-political theories proposed by Muslim scholars during history is the theory of welayat-e faqih which was implemented through Imam Khomeini's (PBUH0 scientific and practical efforts in the form of Islamic state. Its novelty in the ruling arena and intellectual attacks by aliens to questions it and shake its foundations have led to doubts in this regard and has necessitated more investigation. Among the doubts and questions in this regard is "inefficiency of jurisprudential management versus scientific management". It has been proven in this article that given Imam Khomeini's (PBUH) viewpoint in this regard, jurisprudential management does not contradict scientific management and even benefits from common sciences and skills in the field of ruling as well as counseling with relevant experts and employing them in governmental posts, will have required qualifications to govern the society.

Abstract The process of policy making and legislation are considered as the most important arenas public decision making in the society. Making optimal decisions depends on following logical decision making principles. These principles that are applicable in all decisions are more important in public decision making. On the other hand, since policies and laws of our country are made in two important and influential institutions namely Expediency Council and Islamic Consultative Assembly, investigation of decision making process in these two institutions may reveal problems as well as practical and executive challenges in the way of making appropriate and suitable decisions. It seems that more attention to practical results of a law or policy, existence of a comprehensive legislative management to coordinate different parts of three branches which are influential in decision making process as well as counseling and inclusive participation of elites and experts will be effective in improvement of public decision making.

Abstract This article's primary concern is to provide a kind of taxonomy that covers all theoretical viewpoints about "religious democracy". To this end, five patterns have been identified. First one falls under Islamic Republic of Iran's interpretations which were mostly at service of establishing principles of the constitution. Second type is viewpoints of "religious democracy" against Islamic Republic of Iran proposed by figures who theorize based on Islam. Other interpretations presuppose the principles of the constitution try to manifest their capacities that include third to fifth types. Third type display more sensitivity toward divine rights and legitimacy. Fourth type is more concerned about public rights and legitimacy. Fifth type pays attention to both divine and public rights and legitimacy. Discussions within the taxonomy clarified theoretical position of "religious democracy" itself as well as its numerous patterns and problems.

Abstract It is one of the Shiite clerics' most important duties and responsibilities to prevent religious challenges. Among the features of Imam Khomeini's (PBUH) and supreme leader’s holistic thinking is to consider Muslim ummah [nation] as an influential and viable community in last century's fluctuating world. This article believes it is an appropriate opportunity, three decades after the victory of Islamic revolution, to evaluate proximity of denominations and study shortcomings in this respect and believes it needs a collective thinking as well as a comprehensive strategic planning. To this end, it has reviewed Imam Khomeini’s (PBUH) and supreme leader’s political thought in this respect and has extracted some solutions.

Abstract The amount of Islamic revolution's impact on the social conditions of Caspian Sea littoral states has been different due to the level of relations, common cultural and religious characteristics or barriers in way. The most important strategy of Iran from the time of collapse to 1995 was to emphasize the independence of these countries, enhance regional cooperation, expand commercial and economic cooperation, provide transit privileges, avoid tension creating actions, settle regional disputes, emphasizing the negation of domination of alien powers in the region and emphasizing peaceful solutions and strengthening mutual trust between Iran and regional states. Second phase of relations has been from 1995 up to present day while their relations with western countries, Israel, Turkey etc. have remarkably expanded and anti-Iran propaganda has increased in those countries that require more attention by officials of Islamic Republic of Iran's diplomacy which is definitely influential.  

Abstract In this article, applying the foundations of Copenhagen school, Israeli regime's approach to turn Iran's nuclear program into a security issue is studied. The authors believe that in recent years, Tel Aviv has tried to introduce Iran's nuclear program as a threat to Israel, counties in the region and also Europe to pave the way for the ratification of punishing policies through the Security Council, European Union and the United States.

Abstract In the face of different opinions proposed about the Islamic awakening and Arab spring, one point that has preoccupied the minds of political analysts is that which one of these two terms better describes recent developments. Various points have been put forth by advocates of both terms and each term indicates some aspects of the events. The hypothesis of this article is based on this viewpoint that although terming the recent events in Islamic world as "Arab Spring" has managed to describe and investigate part of recent events, it is an improper and incomplete description and it is "Islamic awakening" that, as a more comprehensive term but with a regional approach, can provide an internal and more realistic analysis to study the reasons behind these events while endorsing many reasons proposed by thinkers who believe in Arab spring. Not only this term clarifies the recent events but also helps describe their past and future in a more tangible and acceptable fashion.