An Analysis of the Role of Local Management in Strengthening the Islamic Republic of Iran, With an Emphasis on the Role of City Councils

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Political Science, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Karaj, Iran

2 PhD Student in Political Science, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Karaj Iran

Abstract

Up until now, Islamic Republic of Iran – rising from among people and adopting a religious and divine discourse – has provided a unique model of the administration of people’s affairs in various dimensions through the creation and enhancement of institutions and structures appropriate to its political system. Accordingly, the consideration of ideals in the form of structures, institutions, and approaches is an issue that has a unique role in strengthening the internal structure of this political system. In this article, using the descriptive-analytical method and collecting data through document analysis, library research, and survey methods, city council – as an institution rising from the public vote and a phenomenon similar to local parliament – are defined as the dependent variable. Moreover, in line with the identification of the dimensions and history of these councils, the position of council in Islamic thought is discussed. According to the obtained results, it can be maintained that councils’ importance has four important and effective aspects, namely participation in, distribution of, penetration in, and formation of the identity of power and internal structure strength. To this end, they play roles in four directions, namely strengthening the internal structure cohesion through providing identity to individuals’ roles, enhancing the influence of the Islamic political system in various layers of people and society, fulfilling the maximum participation of people and the role of people in governance, and the just distribution of resources based on reality and the local and national desires. It was found that councils have had greater effectiveness in the fulfillment of maximum participation and involvement of people in governance compared to other directions.  

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Town and Country Planning
Volume 13, Issue 2
October 2021
Pages 365-393

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History

  • Receive Date: 05 April 2021
  • Revise Date: 08 June 2021
  • Accept Date: 08 June 2021

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