Outlining a Democratic Transition in Iran
Amidst significant upheavals in Iran, the “Woman Life Freedom” movement has emerged as both a call for social justice and an opportunity for Iranians to discuss a new social contract for the country. This paper draws on Philip Pettit’s philosophy of “New Republicanism” and Danielle Allen’s notion of “Justice by Means of Democracy” to propose a foundation for this new social contract. The central idea is “non-domination”—the principle that a society should be constructed so that no individual or group can exert arbitrary power over another. From this perspective, the “Woman Life Freedom” movement seeks not just the overthrow of the existing regime but the creation of a society where the rights and freedoms of all citizens are equally guaranteed and promoted. Alongside advocating for gender equality including LGBTQ rights, this paper emphasizes the necessity of guaranteeing life with dignity, the freedom of religious practice, and political autonomy for Iran’s diverse regions in a new Iran. Achieving this requires a new social contract based on dialogue and collective participation, forming the bedrock for a new Iranian society and political regime. This paper is structured as follows: It begins by defining what a social contract entails and how it differs from a constitution, arguing that constitutions often fail without a preceding social contract. It illustrates this by reviewing constitutional developments in Iran up to the 1979 revolution. The paper then explores how a new social contract can be formulated for Iran and outlines its primary principles. Finally, it discusses the concrete political, social, and economic structures that this new social contract would establish in a post-Islamic Iran.
Cultural Revolution: It is Time to Balance the Books!
Cultural Revolution: It is Time to Balance the Books! This article is republished with permission from GLOBIS Review. The original article by Saeed Paivandi can be found https://globisreview.com/cultural-revolution-it-is-time-to-close-the-books/ Dr. Paivandi, thank you for accepting our magazine’s interview. Could you please introduce your areas of study and research to our readers? My academic work is […]
Institutional discrimination against women and girls
Institutional discrimination against women and girls enabled human rights violations and crimes against humanity in the context of recent protests, UN Fact-Finding Mission says
The Dawn of Iran’s New Republic: Forging a Non-Dominant Social Contract
contract, which forms the basis of the relationship between our people and our government. In this sensitive period of history, we as the people of Iran need a new definition of this contract that has implications such as freedom, justice, legitimacy.National reconciliation and lasting peace. The social contract, which is an agreement between residents of a particular geographic area, delegates the responsibility for protecting the rights of the people of that region to the government and specifies laws, restrictions and responsibilities of the state. Such a government has legitimacy as long as it fulfills its assigned duties and loses its legitimacy in the event of a violation of its assigned duties. It also sets out how to replace a government that has fallen out of legitimacy. This approach emphasizes the importance of the rule of rights and the observance of laws based on the rights and interests of citizens, and provides a platform for a responsive and responsible government to the people, based on republican principles, freedom in the sense of non-domination, civil partnership, and the public interest.
In this way, we must seek to establish a democratic system that prevents a return to tyranny. This movement does not just want to solve the current problems, but also to herald a bright, free and democratic future. In Iran’s modern history, although the demand for freedom has always been at the heart of people’s demands, there has been no comprehensive and detailed discussion of the role of the state in ensuring freedom. Today, we need a new understanding of the concept of republic and freedom to redefine the relationship between the state and the people. This new understanding can provide a promising vision for a better future. This article presents in two parts trying to define the principles of which a modern Iranian social contract is discussed and then proposes a framework for Iran’s future democratic system.
Hegemony, social contract, and the foundation of a democratic republic in Iran
This article examines the key factors of legitimacy, including royal power, religious governance, and democracy in Iranian politics. The article delves into defining a new ‘Social Contract’ as a practical framework for understanding rights and governance in Iran
Global Manifesto of “Woman Life Freedom” the Pathway of Movement
Narges Mohammadi wins Nobel Peace Prize with the motto ‘Woman, Life, Freedom.’ This win highlights the impact and importance of women’s rights movements in Iran
Global Acceptance of the Manifesto of “Woman Life Freedom”
The West recognizes the centrality of women and women’s leadership in Iran’s struggle against tyranny, But some men in our community accuse women who emphasize the female-focused nature of this movement of being ‘man-haters.’ This is far from the truth. Today, more loudly than ever before, we proclaim what we deserve, something we have demonstrated over the past 150 years. Regardless of their personal views, men should recognize the significance of this contemporary movement.
The Social Contract of “Woman Life Freedom” Movement
The “Woman Life Freedom” movement in the fight against tyranny in Iran has emerged as a beacon of hope and a symbol of change. The movement, which has moved away from reformist ideals and moves towards a secular system, has deep roots in border regions such as Kurdistan and Baluchistan. By emphasizing the role and leadership of women from the digital generation, the movement aims to move towards social contracts rather than traditional coalition strategies. The goal of this social contract is to coordinate and unite the Iranian diaspora and Iranian activists inside Iran with a focus on equality, women’s leadership, and striving for a free and just Iran.
Citizens’ Assembly and Government
Emphasizing diversity and participation, the Citizens’ Assembly is presented as a new and different institution to strengthen democracy in Iran. By representing different faces of society and emphasizing the importance of criticism and debate among citizens, this forum takes positive steps to strengthen the participatory and democratic culture.
Rights of citizens with different sexual orientations and gender identities
The month of honor is a good opportunity to focus on the issues of this group of Iranian citizens and put their issues on the agenda of Iran’s civil-political movement. The purpose of this article is to contribute to the discussion about LGBTQ+ rights in Iran. We intend to look to the future. A future for Iran without oppression and under a democratic government where all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation, enjoy citizenship rights and freedom of expression.