Strategic Studies Quarterly

Abstract This research aims to answer the question that “what are the most important issues of Hormozgan province as a local unit from the point of view of governance?” According to the results of the research, mismanagement, politicization, lack of meritocracy, lack of development based on land use planning, lack of infrastructure, economic stagnation, unemployment, water resource management crisis, regional inequality and imbalance, and weakening of the rural economy are the top ten important issues of local governance and management in Hormozgan province. The analysis of the aforementioned issues showed that in order to strengthen local governance, the systemic approach, network relationships and complex structures should be given attention by local agents and their governance vision should be strengthened in such a way that macro and holistic and meticulous visions must be considered together. Also, the human resources required for good governance at the local level must have the ability to make decisions, monitor and manage issues with regard to both national and local levels, and finally, considering the time dimension, local agents, in addition must have enough authority to operate and the need to have a futuristic vision.

Abstract Based on sustainable development approach, the paper, intends to offer a conceptual framework to evaluate the structure of Iran’s economy. As findings of the paper proves, the maximum and minimum figures of the sustainable development in Iran, respectively belongs to 1970s and 1990s. Also, Sensitivity analysis model indicates that the water issue was the most critical matter within the context of sustainable development in 1990s and even the optimized indicators of water consumption and per capita thereof, as well as the underground water resources have the most influence on improvement of sustainability indicators.

Abstract The relationship between security and freedom is an issue which many of thinkers, politicians and even the masses have paid attention, and so consideration of its theoretical as well as practical aspects is of a very high significance. Therefore, taking into account the concept of sustainable development, this paper aims to consider the theoretical relationship between security and freedom. The main qustion of this paper is as follows: what kind of relationship between security and freedom contributes to realization of sustainable development?   To answer this question, the paper, first defines the concepts of security and freedom and then, based on rationality as their common element in respect to sustainable development it focuses on the type and amount of required relationship between the two concepts to realize the concept of sustainable development. .

Abstract As two paradigms, Human Security and Sustainable Development approaches, gained importance in the post-cold war era, with the leading role of UN organizations. Proposing these paradigms, suggests that the scholars and researchers had observed some inconsistencies in the former paradigms of security studies. Then in a near look, this becomes evident that these paradigms criticize the similar subjects (such as state-centred strategies for obtaining security and overlooking the true needs of human beings, neglecting the environmental dimension of security and rights of future generations) and propose some similar guidelines(giving priority to human individual in the evaluating and preparing the list of threats, focusing on protecting the Environment and its importance in the securing the health and security for human beings and the well-being and the life quality of future generations, taking into consideration the newer threats, especially threats of the global scale, and paying attention to the political arena and participation, poverty and threats it causes).   Then, it can be argued that, there will be many overlaps and similarities between two paradigms, among others these paradigms rest on common tenets (society, economy and environment), although with some nuances in emphases. In this paper, after investigating the content of two paradigms, the lessons that these two can learn from each other will be discussed and it will argued that according the aforementioned arguments , these two can be merged in a comprehensive and single paradigm which probably will be called “Sustainable Human Security” paradigm.

Abstract Achieving social justice as the most paramount objective and slogan of the new cabinet in the Islamic Republic of Iran is derived from the ideals of the glorious Islamic Revolution. In constructive interaction with the world economy and in line with the Iran’s 20-Year Vision Document, this goal is conditional upon fundamental reforms and adjustment in most of economic policies and executive directives including the role and function of the state in order to accelerate, expand and institutionalize sustainable economic development. This article addresses trade, productive and investment areas in the production and service sectors on the one hand, and the amendment of policies and the role and place of the state in economic realm as the strategic foundation of reforming economic development policies. It also deals with certain challenges in social realms and the consequences of economic development policies. The writing’s explanatory-analytical approach is based upon international political economy and refers to interaction between economics and politics in domestic and international areas.