Eleanor Finch
The Iranian Constitution has been a subject of debate, with some arguing that it mandates the export of the Islamic Revolution and bestows responsibility on the Islamic Republic to protect Shia Muslims globally. However, there is no explicit article in the constitution supporting this claim. The preamble hints at the idea, stating that the constitution provides a basis for the continuation of the revolution inside and outside the country, but this is vague and abstract, resembling the language of other revolutions with universal aspirations. While the relative importance of ideology has varied, Iran's foreign policy decisions are largely driven by national interest and self-perception as a regional power rather than revolutionary zeal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| The Iranian constitution mandates the export of the country's Islamic revolution | No specific article in the Iranian constitution |
| The Iranian constitution bestows responsibility to protect all Shia Muslims in the world | No specific article in the Iranian constitution |
| The Iranian constitution promotes the universalist claims of the Islamic Republic | No specific article in the Iranian constitution |
| The Iranian constitution promotes the export of the Iranian political system | No specific article in the Iranian constitution |
| The Iranian constitution promotes the expansion of international relations with other Islamic and popular movements | The preamble to the Iranian constitution states: "Given the content of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, which was a movement for the victory of the oppressed over the arrogant, the constitution provides the basis for the continuation of this revolution at home and abroad..." |
| The Iranian constitution promotes the formation of a single world nation | The preamble to the Iranian constitution states: "...to pave the way for the formation of a single world nation and to continue the struggle for the salvation of oppressed and deprived nations throughout the world." |
| The Iranian constitution promotes the export of Islamic spirituality and values | The policy of exporting the Islamic Revolution is a strategy in Iran's foreign policy that aims to export the teachings of the Iranian Revolution of 1979 to achieve similar examples in Islamic and non-Islamic countries |
| The Iranian constitution promotes the establishment of Islamic governments in other countries | The policy of exporting the Islamic Revolution is a strategic orientation that aims at the formation of independent governments based on religious values and teachings in Islamic countries |
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What You'll Learn
- The Iranian constitution does not explicitly mandate the export of the Islamic Revolution
- The preamble to the constitution mentions the continuation of the revolution inside and outside the country
- The relative importance of ideology has varied depending on time and place
- The Islamic Revolution is a strategy in Iran's foreign policy to export the teachings of the 1979 Revolution
- The Iranian constitution sets forth the cultural, social, political, and economic institutions of Iranian society on the basis of Islamic principles and norms
The Iranian constitution does not explicitly mandate the export of the Islamic Revolution
> "The Constitution, having regard to the Islamic contents of the Iranian Revolution, which was a movement for the victory of all the oppressed over the arrogant, provides a basis for the continuation of that revolution both inside and outside the country."
This language is vague and abstract, resembling a declaration of principles rather than a concrete instruction for the government to export the Iranian political system.
The relative importance of ideology in Iran's foreign policy has varied over time and has often been tempered by pragmatism. For example, Ayatollah Khomeini's decision to release American hostages on the day of President Ronald Reagan's inauguration in 1981 and to end the war with Iraq in 1988. Under the presidency of Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani in the 1990s, the focus shifted towards post-war reconstruction, leading to a normalization of relations with Europe and Persian Gulf monarchies.
While the export of the Islamic Revolution is not explicitly mandated in the Iranian Constitution, it has been a popular topic among Iranian thinkers and officials. Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, explicitly stated that the policy of exporting the revolution involves promoting Islamic spirituality and values to achieve similar revolutions in other countries. However, it is important to distinguish between the principles outlined in the Constitution and the practical demands of a nation-state's foreign policy, which often take precedence.
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The preamble to the constitution mentions the continuation of the revolution inside and outside the country
The Iranian Constitution does not explicitly mandate the export of the Islamic Revolution. However, the preamble to the constitution mentions the "continuation of the revolution inside and outside the country". This statement is open to interpretation, but it is reminiscent of the universalist aspirations of other revolutions, such as the French and Russian Revolutions.
The preamble states that the Iranian Revolution was a movement for the "victory of the oppressed over the arrogant", and it provides a basis for the continuation of this revolution both domestically and internationally. This can be interpreted as a declaration of principles rather than a concrete injunction to export the Iranian political system.
The relative importance of exporting the revolution has also varied over time. Immediately after the revolution, there was a strong zeal for spreading the revolution in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region. However, this was tempered by pragmatism in foreign policy decisions, such as Ayatollah Khomeini's decision to release American hostages in 1981 and the end of the war with Iraq in 1988.
In the 1990s, under the presidency of Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, the focus shifted towards post-war reconstruction and normalising relations with other nations. While there is no explicit mandate in the constitution, the propagation of the Islamic Revolution is considered an important point in Iran's foreign policy. It is seen as a religious duty for Iranians to promote Islamic values and contribute to the realisation of an Islamic Iran as the leader of the Islamic world.
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The relative importance of ideology has varied depending on time and place
The Iranian Revolution of 1979 was a complex movement that drew on various ideologies and interests. The relative importance of ideology has varied depending on time and place, and multiple factors have influenced the trajectory of Iran's revolutionary ideology.
Firstly, it is important to note that the Iranian Revolution was not solely driven by Islamic fundamentalism or the desire to establish a theocracy. While Islam played a crucial role in mobilizing public discontent against the Pahlavi regime, the revolution was a coalition of diverse forces with varying goals, including independence, freedom, and social justice. This is evident in the rise of figures like Ali Shariati, who fused Shia Islam with socialist ideals, appealing to those seeking an alternative to Marxist concepts.
Secondly, the relative importance of ideology has been shaped by the practical demands of governing a nation-state. Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic, Iran has had to balance its revolutionary ideological goals with the pragmatic foreign policy considerations of a nation-state. For example, Ayatollah Khomeini's decision to release American hostages in 1981 and end the war with Iraq in 1988 demonstrated a pragmatism that tempered the revolutionary zeal.
Thirdly, the importance of ideology has also varied due to regional dynamics and Iran's pursuit of hegemony. While Iran's support for certain regimes or opposition to Zionism can be partly attributed to ideological factors, national interest and geopolitical considerations often play a more significant role. Iran's self-perception as a preeminent power in the Persian Gulf region influences its choices, and its lack of an external security guarantor makes it reliant on friendly forces to deter regional rivals.
Additionally, the relative importance of ideology has evolved with the changing political landscape in Iran. Under the presidency of Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani in the 1990s, the focus shifted towards post-war reconstruction and normalization of relations with Europe and Persian Gulf monarchies. This marked a decrease in the prominence of revolutionary fervor in Iran's foreign policy.
Lastly, the rise of competing ideologies and the backlash against Islamic revolution in the Middle East have also influenced the relative importance of Iran's revolutionary ideology. The emergence of Sunni global jihad led by al-Qaeda and the Islamic State deflated Iran's role as an exporter of Islamic revolution. Iranian policymakers are aware of the limited embrace of their Islamic ideology in the region today, and their foreign policy aims appear more geopolitical than ideological.
In conclusion, the relative importance of ideology in Iran has indeed varied depending on time and place. The interplay between revolutionary ideals and practical considerations, regional dynamics, shifting political landscapes, and the evolution of ideologies in the region have all contributed to the changing significance of ideology in Iran's trajectory.
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The Islamic Revolution is a strategy in Iran's foreign policy to export the teachings of the 1979 Revolution
The Islamic Revolution, also known as the Iranian Revolution, was a popular uprising that took place between 1978 and 1979. It culminated in the toppling of the monarchy on 11 February 1979 and the establishment of an Islamic republic in Iran. The revolution was led by Ruhollah Khomeini, who became the first Supreme Leader of Iran.
The revolution was a response to various social, economic, and political grievances against the Pahlavi regime, including accusations of political corruption, oppression, and subservience to foreign powers, particularly the United States and Israel. Khomeini united the opposition behind him, focusing on these socio-economic issues while avoiding specifics that might divide the factions, such as his plan for clerical rule.
The Islamic Revolution significantly changed Iran's foreign policy. One of its key components was the idea of "neither Eastern nor Western policy," which aimed to counter foreign influence and promote independence. This was closely tied to the concept of exporting the Islamic Revolution, which became a strategy in Iran's foreign policy. According to Khomeini, the revolution should be exported as a culture, ideology, and an intellectual and epistemological method. He argued that Islamic governance, or Sharia law, was not meant to be limited to Iran but should be spread to other Islamic and even non-Islamic countries.
The preamble of the Iranian constitution reflects this sentiment, stating that the constitution:
> "...provides a basis for the continuation of that revolution both inside and outside the country, especially in expanding international relations with other Islamic and popular movements, to pave the way for the formation of a single world nation and to continue the struggle for the salvation of oppressed and deprived nations throughout the world."
However, it is important to note that the Iranian constitution does not explicitly mandate the export of the Islamic Revolution. While it contains some language that could be interpreted as endorsing universalist claims, it does not provide a concrete injunction for the government to spread the revolution. The relative importance of ideology in Iran's foreign policy has also varied over time, with pragmatism and national interests sometimes taking precedence over revolutionary zeal.
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The Iranian constitution sets forth the cultural, social, political, and economic institutions of Iranian society on the basis of Islamic principles and norms
The Iranian Constitution establishes the cultural, social, political, and economic institutions of Iranian society, rooted in Islamic principles and norms. While liberal and leftist values are reflected in the constitution, they are superseded by "the values, principles, and institutions of an ideal Islamic society". This overriding commitment to Islamic values is exemplified in the constitution's preamble, which emphasizes "Method of Governance in Islam".
Cultural Institutions
The Iranian Constitution guarantees equal rights for men and women, stating that "women will enjoy equal legal, human, political, economic, social, and cultural rights" when in alignment with Islamic criteria. It also ensures freedom of belief, stating that "the investigation of individuals' beliefs is forbidden, and no one may be molested or taken to task simply for holding a certain belief." The Constitution allows for freedom of assembly, as long as arms are not carried and the assembly does not go against Islamic principles. It also upholds the freedom of the press and publications, as long as they do not harm Islamic principles or the rights of the public.
Social Institutions
The Iranian Constitution provides for universal social security, guaranteeing social insurance and other forms of security for retirement, unemployment, old-age disability, lack of guardianship, and other circumstances. It also ensures the dignity and inviolability of the individual, stating that "the dignity, life, property, and rights of the individual are inviolate, except in cases sanctioned by law."
Political Institutions
The Iranian Constitution establishes a presidential system, with the president being the highest-ranking official after the Leader. The president is responsible for implementing the Constitution and leading the Executive Branch, except in matters pertaining directly to the Leadership. The president is elected by popular vote for a four-year term and can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. Candidates for the presidency must meet specific qualifications, including Iranian origin, managerial capabilities, trustworthiness, and piety, and they must declare their candidacy before the election.
Economic Institutions
While the Iranian Constitution does not provide extensive detail on economic institutions, it emphasizes the country's commitment to economic independence. The preamble mentions protecting the country's "political, economic, and cultural independence," suggesting that economic self-reliance is a priority for the nation.
In summary, the Iranian Constitution sets forth a framework for Iranian society that is deeply rooted in Islamic principles. It establishes cultural, social, political, and economic institutions that reflect these values while also incorporating elements of liberal and leftist thought. The relative weight of these influences has shifted over time, with the exporting of revolutionary zeal being highest immediately after the revolution.
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Frequently asked questions
No, there is no article in the Iranian constitution that mandates the export of the Islamic Revolution. However, the preamble states that the constitution "provides a basis for the continuation of that revolution both inside and outside the country", which could be construed as endorsing its universalist claims.
The preamble to the Iranian constitution states:
> "Given the content of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, which was a movement for the victory of the oppressed over the arrogant, the constitution provides the basis for the continuation of this revolution at home and abroad, especially in expanding international relations with other Islamic and popular movements, to pave the way for the formation of a single world nation and to continue the struggle for the salvation of oppressed and deprived nations throughout the world."
The policy of exporting the Islamic Revolution is a strategy in Iran's foreign policy that aims to export the teachings of the Iranian Revolution of 1979 to Islamic and non-Islamic countries. This policy has been explicitly stated by Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Iranian constitution states that the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran must be an Islamic Army, committed to Islamic ideology and the people. It must recruit individuals who have faith in the objectives of the Islamic Revolution and are devoted to realizing its goals. The Army is also responsible for fulfilling the ideological mission of jihad in God's way, which includes extending the sovereignty of Iran.
Three theories about the policy of exporting the Islamic Revolution have been proposed by Iranian thinkers and officials. The first theory states that the concept of exporting the revolution is to promote pure Islamic ideas and values. The second theory suggests that it is a strategic orientation towards forming independent governments based on religious values in Islamic countries. The third theory considers the plan to export the revolution as wrong and harmful, regardless of international factors.
