Strategic Studies Quarterly

Abstract The paper intense to illustrate the scientific and theoretical strategy thought of Ayatollah Khamenei, based on realism and also it answers the question that whether Realism has the capacity and required capabilities to analyze and illustrate r their motivations, decisions, behaviors and approaches of the leadership as the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The authors of the paper believe that the tragic decrees and thoughts of Ayatollah Khamenei are mainly aimed at increasing the relative security rather than relative power of the country. This kind of view is in fact a realistic knowledge of the issues and is bound to the ethical and Islamic frameworks. Therefore, the military goals and strategies of Ayatollah Khamenei are shaped towards active and as well as containment of the challenges emerged out of new developments in the field of urgent security issues of the country.    

Abstract Election mechanism is a basic requirement of a democratic system. It is important not only for its role in founding a democratic society but also it has impact on the functions of the system in several aspects including political, economic and social affairs. National security as one of the important aspects of political affairs is not excluded from influence of the election mechanism. Therefore the paper illustrates the impacts of election mechanism on national security using system theories, historical studies and quantitative methods. Establishing security-building functions of election mechanisms, some case studies against and proper conditions for the realization of those functions are among other topics touched in this paper. This study shows that the implementation of the said functions is subject to a set of requirements namely the adoption of an appropriate election mechanism, filling the ethnic, race and religious gaps in multi- sector societies, promotion of cultural participation, lessening the influence of great powers and finally overcoming challenges of economic underdevelopment.  

Abstract The concept of justice is discussed mainly in relation to freedom and equality.  This article tries to show the correspondence level of justice with security and the benefits of justice in decreasing differences, and establishment of order rule of law in society. The main question of article is that “what is the relation between social justice and national security?”  By relation, we mean the similarities and differences, priority of security or justice, benefits of justice to national security, the role of state in justice and security and it’s relation with state’s neutrality and equality. Findings and core arguments are discussed in different parts of article

Abstract National security and criminal justice are conflictual concepts. So their connection is discussed based on their functions. Although criminal justice is derived from morality and natural law, but after emergence of state its concept has been changed. In its essence criminal justice was based on recompense, but in today’s criminal law it is based on interest seeking. From this view it can be argued that criminal justice has approached to national security. Changes like spreading delinquencies in national security arena, which in turn intensifies criminal actions and consequently security measures, makes criminal justice an unbalanced standard for state and individuals. Author argues that national security concerns have formed this unbalanced position. While National security concerns cause it to be dynamic in its function, in turn make in past-faced in its goals

Abstract The main question of this article is that “while there is spreading economic critics of egalitarianism economic justice policies, why numerous governments follow this policy? “The hypothesis argues that national security concerns are determined factors in pursuit of these economic policies by governments. Since discrimination and relative deprivation are negative factors in national security states value economic justice. The more discrimination will form the more challenges against political regime and national integration. Nevertheless, discrimination feeling is not confined to deprived people, but affluent class also can feel discriminated and challenge national security.

Abstract Geographical environment is the context of interaction among economic, social and natural structures. Environmental justice is the junction point of interaction and balance among geographical environment, justice and security. Environmental justice as a pervasive approach toward inequalities assumes that units of society (individuals) aside from their biological and ideological differences should be protected against environmental impacts of unequal economic and social arrangements. Since justice is the backbone of security, Existing data shows that spatial inequalities which are derived from inefficiency of distribution system in forming equal opportunities are important factors in social crisis and environmental insecurity. During recent decades, forming appropriate situation to fulfill individual’s demands has been inevitable because of positive approach toward security. So that environmental justice who has geographical, social and political aspects, beside positive approach toward security can improve public opportunity equalities, securing civil rights and sustainable security

Abstract This article measures and analyses the relation between religious democracy and national security. Author explains these concepts from practical point of view. He describes and explains national security in religious democracy from Copenhagen approach, using qualitative content analysis method in analyzing the vision document of Islamic Republic of Iran. He concludes that the concept of national security in religious democracy is compatible with broad concept of national security in Copenhagen school. He claims that regardless of some strong points in societal, social and human security, there are tangible deficits in environmental, economic and social vulnerabilities which have negative security impacts. To restore the shortcomings in security aspect, author suggests national security annex for every policy, analysis of missions from security aspects, to socialize security which means to base security in society and at last to empower security research institutions.

Abstract This article tries to review the relation between democracy and national security in less-developed nations. Since there are some limits on civil and political freedoms in less-developed countries in the name of national security, and democracy has had some unpleasant impacts on national security in these kinds of nations, author tries to analyze this issue.  This article shows that democracy and civil institutions of democratic system can correct and facilitate the flow of data, match outputs and inputs in political system, and coordinate components of political system with its functional environment, and help to increase national security factors. This occurs through functions like making social cohesion, increasing political capacity, increasing the legitimacy of system, positive effects on nation building process, and adapting elites discourse with social discourse.    

Abstract The Canadian Consortium on human security in 2007 has defined human security as a people-Centered approach to foreign policy, which argues that sustainable stability is based on protecting people from dangers against their rights, health and life. Human security contrary to national security considers threats against citizens and doesn’t limit security studies to defend the territorial boundaries. In comprehensive defense approach, besides considering military aspects of countering threats, we must consider threats against human security. This article using comprehensive defense approach, tries to distinguish threats against national security emerging from human security domain, then to analyze their effects on national security and at last to propose the ways to counter these threats.

Abstract this article tries to explain a fundamental change in china foreign policy. The main question of article is that: what idealist interests in china foreign policy has been marginalized in the course of time?  The hypothesis of author is that: fragility of national security is a key factor in strengthening pragmatic signs in china foreign policy. This fragility is the effect of continuous security threats in domestic, regional and systemic levels. So that, author believes that national security has a big role in china's foreign policy priorities. In this situation, china has transformed from a revisionist and revolutionary actor to a conservative one, which is compatible to current international order. Although China is opposed to American unilateralism, but doesn't want to pay big costs to contain it.

Abstract Abstract The Concept of good governance appeared in social sciences and has been accepted widely by the late decades of 20 the century with different indices, implications and consequences. The examination of its indices including; transparency, strategic vision, accountability, civil society, participation, rule of law, efficiency and effectiveness, equity and inclusion, and similar objective circumstances and backgrounds and positive consequences for national security regarded as factors implying the relationship between these two concepts. Because the exercise of good governance causes outcomes such as social trust, promotion of social solidarity, advancement of government capabilities to respond to citizens and therefore improvement of public consent which all increase the extent of national security in its new interpretation.

Abstract Abstract There is a lack of sufficient focus on ethics in security studies, because ethics (morality) traditionally is defined as a science of self (self-conscience), while security mainly is considered in social and political arena. Meanwhile, redefinition of ethics (morality) can be very helpful in construction of safe and secure life.  Ethical security as discussed in this article, doesn’t want to depend security studies on morale concepts, rather tries to help it in making safer life. Ethical security is not a new resource of security beside other sources, but is a good reference for security studies. Ethical security  can be useful  in every type of security and also can prevent contradictions among  different types. It also can be used in domestic and international level of security. Ethical approach in security studies, by focusing on social and political responsibilities for security agents, prevents securitization of normal issues and ruining national interest.

Abstract Emigration is a term referring to any population movement between territories, which cause permanent or semi-permanent change in place of residence. In scholar's point of view, immigration is the most important type of population movements, which has a wide variety. Scholars categories immigration with regard to standards like destination, term, distance, path, speed, coercion, freedom, and other factors. Emigration as a social phenomenon has a wide range of spatial, social, economic, political, environmental, and cultural and security impacts. Among these, security and it’s relation with emigration in different aspects is of high importance. In other words, international immigration, especially illegal immigration, has a wide political- security consequences. Border permeability, illegal border crossing, drug trafficking, terrorism, criminal gang activity, abuse of foreign  male work force, and sexual abuse of  refugee women, espionage and anti-security actions, disruption of religious- ethnic composition, degradation of natural resources of host country, and spread of contagious disease  are some of the consequences of immigration, especially illegal immigration, in international arena. This article tries to describe these consequences and analyze security impacts of illegal international immigration.

Abstract This article focuses on soft management of national defence or soft aspects of national defence in imam khomeini’s management during imposed war of Iraq against Iran. The main question of article is that: how did Imam Khomeini, as a leader of revolution and Islamic republic, managed imposed war which was the main hard threat against Islamic republic? Author claims that imam Khomeini managed the war in a soft approach through narration as a kind of speech act.  His religious and ideational narrative of imposed war changed this threat to an opportunity and an instrument for reproduction and estabilising Islamic republic.  

Abstract the imposed war of Iraq against Iran is an ideal type of real national security threat and national defence. The main question is that: what lessons and experiences  we can learn from imposed war, especially it’s end, to use in  national defence? The hypothesis claims that imposed war and it’s end shows we need an even strategy based on goals and capabilities, and an accurate composition of military, political, economic and social power components. The lessons we can learn from imposed war are: comprehensive attitude, expert agency, national power and international power, expert knowledge, rational decision making and enthusiastic action, to value defence and avoid war.

Abstract this article, while tries to define political economy and it’s link with national defence, reviews imbalance, inefficiency, innovation in national defence services and other new theories  about defence requirements in new situation. After describing mutual effects of economy and national defence in military aspect, author tries to devise the model of interaction between these arenas. Author argues that military section in Iran by acting  in five areas is doing it’s role in national defence: strengthening military industry, support of  industrial section of economy, executing public economic plans, protecting transportation and trade lines of country beyond the borders, protecting cyber infrastructures.    

Abstract This article tries to explain effects of cyber threats on national security. Authors claim that cyber threats has raised phenomenon of power dispersion which enables small states to exercise their authority , and enables new actors like corporations, organized groups and individuals, to participate in globalised power equations. So they argue that, cyber threat has influences on national security in aspects of: concept of security, state-centrism in security, geographical aspect of threats, diffusion of vulenerabilities, diversity of actors in security field and way of confronting threats.

Abstract

This paper aims at raising a Quran based concept of security. This kind of security is based on the belief in God and is extracted from the Holy Quran which is the words of the God. According to the hypothesis of the paper, the security refers to the belief, because the belief is one of the main core concepts of the Holy Quran which in turn is the foundation of the mundane and the hereafter life. However, the Holy Quran provides a raison d'être of security that is linked to the philosophy of creation and descent of humankind and leads to a special kind of anthropology without of which neither the study of aspects and faces of security nor  the recognition of security regulations could be possible. Based on the relevant aspects and rules of security in the Holy Quran, this paper compares this kind of security with the current concepts of security including national security and finally it shows that there are many similarities between these concepts.

Abstract

There are many approaches for national security studies and the leaders and the people view national security from different perspectives. A consideration of these views can indicate this difference and the concerned priorities in dealing with security problems. Looking at Imam Khomeini views and thinking on several aspects of security, this paper’s main question is as follows: what was the view of Imam Khomeini regarding aspects of security and which security approach is closer to this view? To answer this question, the paper focuses on Imam Khomeini’s speeches, messages, interviews as well as his practices. Lastly, the findings are indicating that rather than the mundane aspect of security, the otherworld aspect was more important for Imam Khomeini and even within the mundane aspect, political aspect was more important for him.

Abstract

This paper studies the political threat and vulnerability of national security from Imam Khomeini’s perspective. Enlisting a variety of political threats from the said perspective will show that his perception was so close to modern approaches rather than traditional ones. As for Imam Khomeini the domestic sources of insecurity was more important than external ones and also he did not believe that threats are only limited to  military invasion by other states but due to the role of religion and the people in either strengthening or weakening the national security, for Imam Khomeini domestic unrest, taking distance from Islam, lack of political participation, alienation and dependence of the think tanks to foreigners are the main political threats against national security.

Abstract The close relationship between the criminal law and national security in fight against terrorism has produced a mixed picture of criminal law by which although the relevant regulations are preventing governments from interfering in individual rights and freedoms, however they provide a pretext for justification of their authoritative and limitative actions in favor of national security.In this way, due to some characteristics of terrorist groups like dangerousness, organization, biasness and un-modifiability, anti– terrorist laws consist of some tough regulations regarding terrorists which are finally affecting freedom and rights of the ordinary citizens

Abstract By searching its historical transformation as concept of nation-state conceptualization of Security in comparisons with tribe security, city security and empire security would be clear and make better perception on national security. Because the state as a whole made for preserving and implementing the security would be the core referent object here. In spite of political process it brings to focus on political structure. Its relative with the state the discussion on security is appearing meaningful, although there are many contested theories in explanation on state. The state by definition made by territory, population, government and sovereignty as a whole, so any threat on these categories would be seen as state''s insecurity. The paper is examining them at any state in historical landscapes for prospecting the horizon on security in future directions.

Abstract Human security is the last paradigm of security studies in the 21^st century and constitutes the new agenda for security studies. The current paper illustrates the place of human security, as a popular approach and based on long term satisfaction of the people, within the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran. To this end, the theoretical aspect of the issue is considered first and then under the light of this understanding, the relevant provisions of the constitution is considered. The author of this paper argues that the very idea of human security lies within the context of the constitution which sets the limits of national security and its boundaries and limits; it does not overlap or replace the national security.

Abstract To be channel between The East and The West, its energy resources, its political structures, its Imperialistic experiences and its cultural contradictions with the world, put theMiddle Eastinto realistic context and fabricated by state, national and regional security than the human security and they overlaid it. It argues that this situation didn't achieve the peace and stability for the region. Making up for lost time, empowering and protecting the human issues entail to be though the channel state security and human development. The paper is examining political reforms, economic and demographic problems, energy issues and modern technology in the Middle Eastern as human developments or freedom from needs and so discussing theIraqcrisis, nuclear proliferations, terrorism andPalestine-Israelconflict as main human security or freedom from fear in theMiddle East. And the last make some suggestions for the current fabric of the region.

Abstract The purpose of paper does explore approaches of three generations of thinkers as three discourses in strategic culture. The strategic culture is used as an independent variable for explanting strategic behaviors at first. Appearing this conception in strategic behaviors has been meaning the acceptance of non- material and structural factors in analyzing it. In three decades made three discourses that all emphases on relationship between strategic culture and behavior, albeit reached the different conclusion from it.It is impossible in the first discourse analyzing the behavior without strategic culture, second one introduces the strategic culture as a means and instrument of running the strategy, the relationship between culture and strategic behavior in the third one does discuss strategic culture role in the context of strategic behavior.