دولت‌پژوهی (Jun 2016)

The liberal development discourse and the concept of development after the Islamic Revolution (With emphasis on state)

  • Mohammad Bagher khorramshad,
  • Majid Nejatpoor

DOI
https://doi.org/10.22054/tssq.2016.3948
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 1, no. 4
pp. 119 – 156

Abstract

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Purpose: After the Islamic Revolution, some intellectual and political currents discussed the concept of development. In the wake of continuing discussion on development, liberal development discourse arose from the intellectual and political currents of the 70th. In this article, we want to show how the concept of development appeared, why it was rejected by some groups, and what happened to its meaning. Design/Methodology/Approach: In this regard, we can pay attention to the works of Mahmud Sariolghalam & Mouse Ghaninejad for a deeper understanding of the intellectual and political content of liberalism in Iran. Development discourse tries to articulate main concepts such as small government, freedom, market economy, and human rights. This study tries to examine the development discourse by using discourse analysis. Findings: The mail question of this article is this: What is change from the perspective of liberal development discourse? In response to this question, it can be said: the change consist of the process of modernization and transition from traditional society to modern society. This means “liberal modernization”. The main element of liberal current is the optimization of liberal system, economic competition and a minimum role of state in domestic politics and international trade. The supporters of liberal current pay attention to change and modernization, and hold an optimistic view of new western civilization. They believe that in failure to reach development, determinant factors are domestic factors such as wrong thoughts and beliefs of Iranian culture. Originality/Value: In this article, we investigate liberal development discourse and try to establish a relationship between liberal current and development. This current defends a systematic liberal perspective and a competitive economy. The Adherents of this current believe that the state intervention in economic activities must become very minimal.

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