Strategic Studies Quarterly

Abstract In this article, the concept of "Security Consultant" is introduced as a novel approach in local literature and its theoretical foundations are examined. The main concern of the researcher is to find a specific pattern and framework for the mission of a security consultant, for this purpose, the approach of the United States of America to provide security consultant assistance to the allied countries has been discussed based on the available documents and sources. This research was done by thematic analysis method and the elements and components of the pattern were recognized based on the themes identified in the sources. The case study of the United States consultant model shows that targeting, establishing the integration of actions and dividing specific tasks among the three main institutions in providing security consultant assistance (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defense and USAID); Clarifying the security sector or the target society of the aid receiving country as well as the leveling of these aids are among the main components of the American model of security consultancy.

Abstract Many experts believe that transparency, greater access to information, and better flow of information help increase the accountability of governments and state officials and eventually help stem corruption and improve governance, which leads to an establishment's sustainability. In recent years, things such as unjustifiably high salaries and benefits, unjustifiable provision of properties and extra benefits at municipalities, the manner in which government-subsidized foreign currency is provided to importers of goods, etc are an indication of not-so-transparent processes, which are the result of lack of transparent information and flawed performance of supervisory organizations. This article discusses the important role of free access to information in improving the efficiency of governance and demonstrates that access to information in Iran is not as it should be and that supervisory organizations face a conflict and multiplicity of responsibilities. It also puts forward some proposals that could help improve information dissemination and supervisory structures in the country.
 
 

Abstract Good Governance is the effective and accountable exercise of administrative, economic and political power. According to conditions of every society, Indices of good governance have different weights. This article is a descriptive survey and is to weight coefficients of indices of god governance in Iran and to distinguish causal relations between indices. The findings show that accountability, the right to comment and social justice have high weights. Meanwhile, the quality of rules, rule of law and the right of comment has the most impacts on other indices.

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 This article seeks to highlight the importance of social capital in good governance and its fragility and vulnerability to the state conduct and actions. Social capital is the cornerstone of the affluent society and efficient government. It is in the shadow of the maintenance, enforcement and accumulation of this valuable resource that society can benefit from the achievements of development and good governance. Hence, not only the state has to assess the consequences of its actions on social capital, but also it needs to provide a trustful social environment which makes confidence, willingness to keep promises, will to cooperation and assistance and entering the social networks meaningful and useful for the members of society. The author believes that by adjusting or removing such deficiencies as dysfunction in allocation, organizational recession, agency problem, corruption in public sector, and possible tensions and conflicts between politicians and bureaucrats, as well as reinforcing internal oversight, social capital provides the possibility for better supply of public management goods. On the one hand, the government can pave the way for the production of social capital through individual, social and institutional betterment, and preparing a trustful social environment, and on the other hand it may contribute to its destruction through weakening the constructive sources of social capital.