Fereydoon Rahmani
نوشته شده توسط Admin در 9 فوریه 25فریدون رحمانی
فریدون رحمانی، استاد جامعه‌شناسی دانشگاه یورک کانادا است. ایشان در دانشگاه‌ها و سازمان‌های تحقیقاتی بین‌المللی در اروپا، کانادا و نیز خاورمیانه کار کرده است. فریدون رحمانی یکی از اعضای کمیته بازبینی ترفیع سنای دانشگاه یورک است، و در سمت های مدیر برنامه حقوق بشر دانشگاه یورک، رئیس بخش جامعه شناسی دانشگاه دهوک مشغول به کار بوده است. ایشان فق لیسانس و دکترای خود را در رشته جامعه شناسی از دانشگاه وین (۱۹۹۹) به اتمام رسانده و در زمینه های بررسی کیفیت زندگی، حقوق بشر انتقادی، مطالعات خاورمیانه، ملیت، جنبش‌های اجتماعی، شهرنشینی و نیز سیستم‌های شاخص‌های اجتماعی کار کرده است. فریدون رحمانی اصطلاح «جوامع پشت بامی» را برای کشورهای خاورمیانه ابداع کرده که به تضاد ها و ناسازگاریهای اجتماعی ـ سیاسی و فرهنگی در این جوامع اشاره دارد
Associate Professor of Sociology and Human Rights York University, Toronto, Canada
Fereydoon Rahmani is a tenured professor of sociology at the Department of Equity Studies at York University in Toronto, Canada. Before joining York University, Professor Rahmani taught at universities in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, including the American University of Kurdistan, Salahaddin University, University of Duhok, Koya University, Lebanese French University, and Jihan University. He also served as Chair of the Sociology Department at the University of Duhok until 2014.
Professor Rahmani earned his BA in Social Research from the University of Tehran (1987), an MA in Sociology from the University of Vienna (1995), and a PhD in Sociology and Urban Development from the University of Vienna (1999).
His research and publications focus on topics such as Quality of Life, Well-being, Critical Human Rights, Spatial Justice in the Middle East, Ethnicity, Social Movements, Urbanization, and Social Indicator Systems. He employs a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods in his work, including statistical analysis, sociometric scaling, large data analysis, and SPSS. Notably, Professor Rahmani introduced the term “Rooftop Societies” to describe the socio-cultural and political incongruities prevalent in Middle Eastern countries
ABSTRACT
Toward Democracy and Federalism in Post-Authoritarian Iran
Keywords: Post-authoritarian transition, democratic governance, decentralization, federalism, civil society, ethnic diversity, human rights & social justice
The collapse of authoritarianism in Iran would present an unprecedented opportunity to redefine its governance structure. For decades, Iran’s centralized political system has entrenched systemic marginalization of ethnic minorities, suppressed political freedoms, and perpetuated socio-economic inequalities. Transitioning to a democratic and decentralized political system requires structural reforms that prioritize inclusivity, accountability, and regional autonomy. Drawing on global experiences while tailoring solutions to Iran’s unique sociopolitical and cultural realities, this essay outlines a framework for institutionalizing democracy, decentralization, and justice in post-authoritarian Iran.
At the heart of this transformation lies the need for a modern and inclusive constitution. A constitutional assembly, elected through free and fair elections, must represent the country’s diverse ethnic, religious, and political units. This constitution should institutionalize democratic principles, including the separation of powers, protection of human rights, secularism, social justice, and mechanisms for regional autonomy. South Africa’s post-apartheid constitutional process demonstrates how inclusive dialogue can produce a robust framework for governance that promotes reconciliation and justice (Sarkin, 1999). By involving all sectors of society in the constitutional drafting process, Iran can ensure a legitimate and enduring foundation for its new political system.
Centralization in Iran has long exacerbated regional and ethnic disparities, creating an unequal distribution of resources and opportunities. A decentralized or federal governance structure is essential to address these inequalities. Federal systems in countries such as Germany, Canada, and India provide valuable examples of how decentralization can accommodate diversity while maintaining national unity (Stepan, 1999). For Iran, granting greater autonomy to provinces and recognizing the linguistic and cultural identities of ethnic minorities—such as Kurds, Turks, and Baluchis—can reduce tensions and foster integration. Decentralization must also extend to economic governance. Brazil’s model of fiscal federalism illustrates the benefits of empowering regions to manage resources and invest in local development (Shah, 1991). To bridge the gap between underdeveloped and prosperous regions, Iran’s future government must prioritize infrastructure, education, and healthcare investment in marginalized areas.
Transitional justice will play a critical role in addressing the legacy of human rights abuses under the current regime. Iran’s history of repression and violence necessitates mechanisms to foster national reconciliation and healing. A truth and reconciliation commission, inspired by South Africa’s post-apartheid experience, could provide a platform for victims to seek justice and reparations while fostering understanding and forgiveness (Hayner, 2011). Such a process must be culturally sensitive and inclusive, addressing the grievances of ethnic and religious minorities to rebuild trust across Iran’s diverse communities. Moreover, holding perpetrators accountable will demonstrate a commitment to the rule of law, ensuring that past injustices do not go unpunished.
Civil society will be instrumental in facilitating Iran’s transition to democracy. Despite decades of suppression, Iran’s civil society has shown remarkable resilience and remains a vital force for change. The experience of Tunisia underscores the role of civil society in mitigating polarization and driving institutional reform (Yerkes & Muasher, 2017). To strengthen this sector, the new government must establish legal guarantees for freedom of expression and association, while providing financial and technical support to civil society organizations. An empowered civil society can promote accountability, engage marginalized groups, and foster democratic institutions.
Equally important is the establishment of an independent judiciary to uphold the rule of law and maintain public trust in state institutions. Judicial impartiality is critical to ensuring accountability and protecting human rights. Argentina’s judicial reforms following its transition to democracy in 1983 highlight how an independent judiciary can hold political elites accountable and safeguard democratic principles (Pereira, 2005). For Iran, comprehensive judicial reform must include oversight mechanisms to promote transparency, eliminate corruption, and ensure that the judiciary operates free from political interference.
The traditional division of government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches, first articulated by Montesquieu in The Spirit of Laws (1748), is insufficient for addressing the complexities of governance in contemporary Iran. Complementing this principle with the German concept of regionale Machtverteilung (spatial power distribution) would decentralize authority, ensuring a more equitable balance of power. Incorporating this approach into Iran’s governance model could enhance social cohesion, create a more stable democracy, and promote equitable economic development.
In conclusion, transitioning to democracy and decentralization in post-authoritarian Iran is a formidable but achievable task. By learning from global best practices and adapting them to its unique context, Iran can establish a sustainable political system that respects diversity, promotes regional autonomy, and ensures national unity. A federal governance model, grounded in a modern constitution, supported by an independent judiciary, and strengthened by civil society, provides the foundation for a just and resilient future. Prioritizing inclusivity, accountability, and equitable resource distribution will enable Iran to overcome the structural challenges of centralized governance and embrace its rich cultural diversity while securing its place as a democratic and cohesive state in the modern world.
References
Hayner, P. B. (2011). Unspeakable Truths: Transitional Justice and the Challenge of Truth Commissions. Routledge.
Montesquieu, C. (1748). The Spirit of Laws. Cambridge University Press.
Pereira, A. W. (2005). Political (In)justice: Authoritarianism and the Rule of Law in Brazil, Chile, and Argentina. University of Pittsburgh Press.
Sarkin, J. (1999). Transitional justice and the prosecution model: The experience of Ethiopia. Law, Democracy & Development, 3(2), 253-266.
Shah, A. (1991). Perspectives on Fiscal Federalism. World Bank Publications.
Stepan, A. (1999). “Federalism and Democracy: Beyond the U.S. Model.” Journal of Democracy, 10(4), 19–34.
Yerkes, S., & Muasher, M. (2017). “Decentralization in Tunisia: Empowering Towns, Engaging People.” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.