Research
political science
Hassan Ahmadian
Volume 17, Issue 8 , January 2018, Pages 1-23
Abstract
Because of its importance and effectiveness, the United States’ strategy in the Middle East has attracted regional and international actor’s attention. Challenges stemming from the US regional priorities along with differences within the US political spectrum have promoted a variety of literature. ...
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Because of its importance and effectiveness, the United States’ strategy in the Middle East has attracted regional and international actor’s attention. Challenges stemming from the US regional priorities along with differences within the US political spectrum have promoted a variety of literature. A good part of that literature has dealt with US Middle East policy critically. Among those critical sources comes Perilous Power: The Middle East and US Foreign Policy. Scientific literature critical to US Middle East policy is more common in this region itself. However, books like Perilous Power, written based on aggregating regional and western views, in addition to explaining new dimensions of the subject, provide a comparative outlook which per se could have a comparative value as well. Perilous Power is a serious effort to bring up a comprehensive critical discussion on the US Middle East policy. In this article, it has been attempted to assess and review Perilous Power both in terms of its form and content, matching its main discussion with those present in the region.
Research
political science
Ghodrat Ahmadian
Volume 17, Issue 8 , January 2018, Pages 25-46
Abstract
Development as a specific concept for scientists, politicians, and the public has some validity, so any resistance to it needs great bravery. Despite its validity and importance‚ the development paradigm envisages with many critiques and challenges‚ so the buzzword is impasse in this ...
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Development as a specific concept for scientists, politicians, and the public has some validity, so any resistance to it needs great bravery. Despite its validity and importance‚ the development paradigm envisages with many critiques and challenges‚ so the buzzword is impasse in this paradigm. This article proposes some methodological impasses in development paradigm and presents that the post-developmentalism goes beyond these impasses through new perspectives. The key point in this article lies in the fact that in the discussion of post-developmentalism, the role of development has turned from the state and elites to the society and people. It is worth mentioning that the present review is based on the book entitled “The End of Development? Modernity, Post-Modernity and Development” by Trevor Parfitt who is a Professor at the Department of Political Sciences and International Relations, University of Nottingham, England.
Research
political science
Rasoul Afzali; Mohammad zohdi Gohar; Akbar Valizadeh
Volume 17, Issue 8 , January 2018, Pages 47-66
Abstract
"Hegemony: A New Form of Global Power" was written by John Agnew, and it was published by "Temple University" in 2005. The importance of this book lies in the conceptualization of a new theory of hegemony. There have been three theories on the issue of hegemony so far. Deconstructing concepts and ...
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"Hegemony: A New Form of Global Power" was written by John Agnew, and it was published by "Temple University" in 2005. The importance of this book lies in the conceptualization of a new theory of hegemony. There have been three theories on the issue of hegemony so far. Deconstructing concepts and a critical approach in the context of a new theory have made this book different. This book has theorized and conceptualized the fourth theory. The Foundation of Agnew’s theory versus the three previous theoretical models emphasizes the society-oriented of hegemony and the process of its formation.But, Agnew’s pluralistic viewpoint to the pivotal issue of international political economy, proposed by realists, is not free from criticisms. Agnew attacks the government so severe that the audience think government does not have any role in economy outside the scope of the community and the social forces. Therefore, how we can accept that the hegemony establishment by the most powerful government in the second half of the twentieth century, that is the USA, has been a non-governmental process leaves the audience with no answer.
Research
political science
Ahmad Biglari; Ebrahim Barzegar
Volume 17, Issue 8 , January 2018, Pages 67-87
Abstract
The purpose of this book is to find the answer to the failure of the modernization project in the Middle East. He does this by tracing the fundamental contradictions of the culture of the region. Louay Safi reviewed the formation of the mentality of development in ideas of Descartes and Kant, ...
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The purpose of this book is to find the answer to the failure of the modernization project in the Middle East. He does this by tracing the fundamental contradictions of the culture of the region. Louay Safi reviewed the formation of the mentality of development in ideas of Descartes and Kant, then he discussed the comparison of two theoretical models of Marxian and Weberian development. He, through giving priority to structures of knowledge and culture, clarified his position on this matter. The author has analyzed the notion of intellectuals in the Muslim world since the beginning of facing with two layers of the Western modern civilization, the colonial and technological progress. He tried to analyze Arab and Muslim scholars' exposure to the problem of tradition-modernity through showing how they deal with the Islamic and Arabic heritages. Safi, finally, believed that a local development would be achieved by means of an active and a critical return to the Arab Islamic heritage; and the path of development leads not only to the West. Although the author has claims that he has gone beyond the Western models, in the end, he has just presented an overall view, namely the need to refer to the heritage development. Therefore, this work can only be considered as an entry in necessity of the local development. Furthermore, it can also be seen as a methodological confusion and discord in the book.
Research
political science
Hasan Pourahmadi; Amir Abbasi Khoshkar
Volume 17, Issue 8 , January 2018, Pages 89-109
Abstract
In the foregoing research, the critique and evaluation of John J. Mearsheimer's book "The Tragedy of Great Power Politics" is done in two levels: form criticism and content criticism. At the level of form criticism, the book is in good standing in terms of printing, page layout, and typographical errors, ...
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In the foregoing research, the critique and evaluation of John J. Mearsheimer's book "The Tragedy of Great Power Politics" is done in two levels: form criticism and content criticism. At the level of form criticism, the book is in good standing in terms of printing, page layout, and typographical errors, and at the content level, the book is written in a positivist way with the acceptance of realistic assumptions. Ignoring the economic and cultural components that underlie international relations and disregard for other non-state actors' involvement in international interactions are among the content shortcomings of the book. In content criticism with the Islamic approach, the ethical, value, and belief conflicts of the Islamic view in international relations with the book can be one of the criticisms of the approach to offensive realism. Supporting domestic researchers and developing theorization scientific space in two dimensions of scientific and financial support for research projects are among the suggested strategies to reach the desired point in native and Islamic theorizing.
Research
political science
Mohammad Hossein Jamshidi
Volume 17, Issue 8 , January 2018, Pages 111-128
Abstract
We briefly reviewed and criticized David Beetham’s book of “Max Weber and the Theory of Modern Politics”. This work produces the most comprehensive framework about Max Weber’s political theory with and analytical method and a historical perspective. It studies the review of the ...
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We briefly reviewed and criticized David Beetham’s book of “Max Weber and the Theory of Modern Politics”. This work produces the most comprehensive framework about Max Weber’s political theory with and analytical method and a historical perspective. It studies the review of the central concern of Weber to prospects for the liberal parliament in the authoritarian societies in the era of mass politics and bureaucratic organizations. It shows how this concern has led him to review the theory of democracy.The special feature of this book is the full dominance of the writer about the widespread German works in Weber’s political thought of. This book is an authoritative guide about Max Weber’s political philosophy. Although it relatively has a logical structure, it is rather understandable and it is away from complexity, grandiloquence, literary gravity and ambiguity. Moderation approach governs it. This book needs to be reviewed and criticized like any other scientific works. So, we have reviewed this book, based on the rational and methodical criteria, and we have tried to express as far as possible its advantages and disadvantages without prejudice and ignorance.
Research
political science
Majid Hosseini; Meisam Ghahreman
Volume 17, Issue 8 , January 2018, Pages 129-149
Abstract
In this article, we have dealt with a critique and the relationship between terror and contemplation based on the Eagleton, Habermas, Derrida, Chomsky' viewpoints in the book" terror and contemplation". Since the present book revolves around different and sometimes opposite viewpoints about controversial ...
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In this article, we have dealt with a critique and the relationship between terror and contemplation based on the Eagleton, Habermas, Derrida, Chomsky' viewpoints in the book" terror and contemplation". Since the present book revolves around different and sometimes opposite viewpoints about controversial ideas in political sciences (terror and contemplation), a theoretical challenge about a single phenomenon (such as September 11th event) is introduced to the readers; therefore, a complicated mentality is provided for readers to reflect more on the twisted societal phenomena. In a general criticism, all of the above-mentioned viewpoints about a historiography of a terrorist event (each one from a specific perspective) have their own defects, and this has been acting as a block against making a comparison between terror and contemplation; consequently, it leads to better understand the phenomenon with different dimensions, and in the critiques, an attempt has been made to pay attention to it.
Research
political science
Abbas Khalaji
Volume 17, Issue 8 , January 2018, Pages 151-170
Abstract
This study is intended to have a critical view on “the History of Political Thought in Islam”. This book is a reference for the students and researchers of history and political sciences. The writer has explained formal, theoretical, and scientific content of the book. Then, he has tried ...
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This study is intended to have a critical view on “the History of Political Thought in Islam”. This book is a reference for the students and researchers of history and political sciences. The writer has explained formal, theoretical, and scientific content of the book. Then, he has tried to evaluate its features to assess its specific appropriateness to be studied and taught as a textbook for Islamic political thought. The results indicated that the book contains several advantageous properties; however, there are some formal, theoretical, and scientific shortcomings, which must be covered in the next editions in order to change the book into an appropriate and adequate source for students and researchers.
Research
political science
Bahareh Sazmand
Volume 17, Issue 8 , January 2018, Pages 171-191
Abstract
Two schools of thought now exist in security studies. Traditionalists want to restrict the subject to politico-military issues, while wideners want to extend it to the economic, societal, and environmental sectors. This book sets out a comprehensive statement of the new security studies, establishing ...
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Two schools of thought now exist in security studies. Traditionalists want to restrict the subject to politico-military issues, while wideners want to extend it to the economic, societal, and environmental sectors. This book sets out a comprehensive statement of the new security studies, establishing the case for the broader agenda. The authors argue that security is a particular type of politics applicable to a wide range of issues. Answering the traditionalists charge that this model makes the subject incoherent, they offer a constructivist operational method for distinguishing the process of securitization from that of politicization. Their approach incorporates the traditionalist agenda and dissolves the artificial boundary between security studies and international political economy, opening the way for a fruitful interplay between the two fields. It also shows how the theory of regional security complexes remains relevant in today's world.
Research
political science
Seyed Ebrahim Sarparast Sadat
Volume 17, Issue 8 , January 2018, Pages 193-217
Abstract
The political modernity is a book about the secularism and secular values. The author believes that current problems of society have roots in dedifferentiation between public and private sphere state and civil society and individuals and citizens. This book is based on the liberal and secular ideals ...
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The political modernity is a book about the secularism and secular values. The author believes that current problems of society have roots in dedifferentiation between public and private sphere state and civil society and individuals and citizens. This book is based on the liberal and secular ideals and justifies the issues of secularism. However, Maurice Barbier assumes the west experience the ultimate experience of noble nations and suggests that surrendering such separations is destiny of all societies. He advises the countries deprived of political modernity not to have ambitious leaps and try to use treasure of their ancestors’ accumulated experiences and move forward gradually. Considering their model as a perfect one, Western countries made some problems for other communities. For instance, if Islamic societies prefer Islamic rules as a model for their problem solving and future perspective, secularism will not turn to a problem requiring to be dealt with. Rethinking and investigating weaknesses and strengths of content and structures of this book, it was revealed that the author of the book turns from sophisticated problem solving to problem making and unjustifiable pieces of advices.
Research
political science
Hossein Salimi; Yazdan keikhosrou doulatyari
Volume 17, Issue 8 , January 2018, Pages 219-241
Abstract
Designing Social Research: The Logic of Anticipation focuses specifically on the quantitative social research designs. The main objective of the book is the introduction of main elements in conducting research in social sciences. Moreover, it provides an appropriate review on issues that students, professors, ...
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Designing Social Research: The Logic of Anticipation focuses specifically on the quantitative social research designs. The main objective of the book is the introduction of main elements in conducting research in social sciences. Moreover, it provides an appropriate review on issues that students, professors, and researchers of social sciences face in designing their research or thesis. Using technical terms of research methodology, unambiguous diction, and comprehensive elaboration all prove the efficiency of the author in writing such a scientific work. Most of the book has the sufficient literature review and its evolution. The author, Norman Blaikie, starts his introduction with preliminaries of research and its details. Introducing The Logic of Anticipation, pointing out the role of theory in social sciences research, and providing critical understanding of research principles are among main objectives of this book. Finally, the book presents four topics related to social research as examples for research in four paradigms (inductive, deductive, reproductive, and abductive).
Research
political science
Mahdi Fadaei Mehrabani
Volume 17, Issue 8 , January 2018, Pages 243-264
Abstract
Robert Dahl, as we know, is one of the political scientists who has a scientific approach to politics and political science and seeks to present politics as a science. In his book "Modern Political Analysis", he outlines his main positions on the concept of politics and how to analyze politics. The book, ...
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Robert Dahl, as we know, is one of the political scientists who has a scientific approach to politics and political science and seeks to present politics as a science. In his book "Modern Political Analysis", he outlines his main positions on the concept of politics and how to analyze politics. The book, on the one hand, belongs to the power-oriented tradition of politics and, on the other hand, replaces a different concept of "influence" with the concept of power, claiming to have provided a scientific method for studying and looking at politics as well as a scientific model for practical policy and policy making. In this article, we will review the strengths and weaknesses of this book. This article contains some general critiques, including a critique of the book's scientist approach, its emphasis on influence as the main concept of politics, what modern political analysis is, and the consequences of this view of politics.
Research
political science
Hakem Ghasemi
Volume 17, Issue 8 , January 2018, Pages 265-285
Abstract
"The Future of Power", by Joseph Nye, exploring international developments, explains the types of power, and while considering the conditions that make effective the use of different types of power, it also explains their limitations. In this book, after examining the types of power, the status of American ...
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"The Future of Power", by Joseph Nye, exploring international developments, explains the types of power, and while considering the conditions that make effective the use of different types of power, it also explains their limitations. In this book, after examining the types of power, the status of American power is evaluated and its weaknesses are mentioned. The author does not consider the use of any kind of power to be effective for preserving American power, and introduces the integrating of all different types and sources of power as the only way to make them effective. Nye presents a strategy of smart power to maintain America's supremacy in the world and invites US politicians to comply. This book is extremely American-centered and is about a powerful future country, rather than about the future of power and its nature. This feature turns the book into a set of political guidelines for American politicians to preserve America's global power and position, and reflects the author's political attitudes and aspirations that have profoundly influenced American politicians and policies, especially Democrats and their policies.
Research
political science
Hamid Reza Malek Mohammadi
Volume 17, Issue 8 , January 2018, Pages 287-299
Abstract
The contrast between the two phenomena of the demands of the new era and state behavior is among the issues that propel writers from various fields from management to sociology and political science. Critical papers, neutral papers, and papers advocate of the behavior of the state and the bureaucratic ...
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The contrast between the two phenomena of the demands of the new era and state behavior is among the issues that propel writers from various fields from management to sociology and political science. Critical papers, neutral papers, and papers advocate of the behavior of the state and the bureaucratic system are three aspects that stand out in this regard. Meanwhile, Michel Crozier, a writer sociologist and critic of state behaviors and bureaucracy, examining the post-World War II French states, finds them to have self-knowledgeable ideas and self-powerful imagination, but he believes that the developments of the era along with the failures of these states in achieving social and economic goals, especially in areas such as education and health, reveals the necessity of a fundamental rethinking of the state nature; a nature that must be reflected in modesty of state. He views modern state as impossible without modest politics.
Research
political science
Seyed Abdolamir Nabavi
Volume 17, Issue 8 , January 2018, Pages 301-312
Abstract
Increasing the enthusiastic attempts to trace the Middle East events and evolutions, on the one hand, and establishing the Middle East Studies courses (both in research and teaching) on the other hand, caused the need for research and teaching sources in this field. The printing of Politics and Government ...
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Increasing the enthusiastic attempts to trace the Middle East events and evolutions, on the one hand, and establishing the Middle East Studies courses (both in research and teaching) on the other hand, caused the need for research and teaching sources in this field. The printing of Politics and Government in THE Middle East by a reputable university press is very important; a book which is going to have educational methods and offer the data and analyses on political issues to the students of political sciences, especially the bachelors. However, reviewing the form and the content of this book shows that despite the publishers’ finesse to offer a scientific and comprehensive work, it has some weaknesses and inaccuracies, so that introducing it as an academic source may be hesitated. Accordingly, this paper offers some positive and negative aspects of the book, and at the end, it proposes a recommendation to the authors and publishers to issue a new edition of the book. The major drawback of the book seems to be its lack of the proficiency guidelines and ideas of the scholars of the Middle East Studies as well as and guidelines and ideas of education.
Research
political science
Mehdi Najafzadeh
Volume 17, Issue 8 , January 2018, Pages 313-333
Abstract
The relationship between revolution and literature can be traced during three distinctive stages. In the first stage which is before the time that revolution stabilizes itself, the literature definitely assists the revolution and spreads the revolutionary slogans. When it comes to the second stage, during ...
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The relationship between revolution and literature can be traced during three distinctive stages. In the first stage which is before the time that revolution stabilizes itself, the literature definitely assists the revolution and spreads the revolutionary slogans. When it comes to the second stage, during the consolidation of the revolution, the revolutionaries deny the independent literature. And finally, in the third stage, literature tries to move to the hidden transcript of society against the obstacles of the political hegemony and departs form revolution and its slogans. The “regulation and literature” book, which is a trilogy by Jürgen Ruhle, has explained this paradoxical relationship. This trilogy is a critical study of the literature and communism in the twentieth century. In the first book Ruhle described the sodality and opposition between the Russian authors and October Revolution. In the second book, he emphasized German literature especially Marxist works from 1917 to 1960, and in the third book, the focus was on the Marxist works in Latin America. In the current paper, we try to explain the contradictory relationship between literature and revolution with emphasis on this trilogy. We especially focus on “Revolution and Literature: Russian Writers” book and use new approaches such as Bakhtian formalism, new literary criticism, and trans-historical theory.
