The Issue of Water and the Formation of Socio-Political Balance in the Development of Iranian Society (Case Study: Water Management System in Zayandeh-Rud Basin)

Abstract

Water scarcity is one of the most important distinguishing features that development theorists have paid attention to in explaining the characteristics of eastern societies in the social transition. This attitude has led to the presentation of theories such as the Asiatic mode of production, Oriental Despotism, and Iranian Despotism, each of which, considering some characteristics of the society, has tried to explain the relationship between the development of the East and its connection with water, but they have not been able to. This study, by using the qualitative research method and historical studies, reviewing the documents, observation, and interviews with farmers, policymakers, and people living in the Zayandeh-Rud basin area, has tried to get an accurate picture of the connection between water and development of this region in Iran. The results obtained in this research show that the problem of water scarcity in Iran has caused the formation of a system that arises from the two arms of political legitimacy and social acceptability with the processes of appointment and selection, and the development of Iranian society depends on the balance of The powers of these two parts. if the balance disturbed, the society moves towards political despotism or social revolution.

Keywords

• development;
• iranian society;
• water governance;
• water shortage ;
• zayandeh-rud water management;