Analysis of Internal Conflicts in Afghanistan from the Perspective of Ethnic Elites in the Last Two Decades
Afghanistan has witnessed unprecedented internal wars, terrorist attacks, and insecurity over the past two decades, which have plunged the country into the depths of political turmoil. These conflicts have inflicted significant damage on the country's political structure and people's livelihoods, affecting society, political, social, economic, and cultural relations, and have also caused negative impacts on regional security and economy, especially for neighboring countries. This applied research, from the perspective of the intellectual elites of society, aims to investigate the fundamental causes, effects, and complexities of internal and external factors contributing to Afghanistan's internal conflicts during the last two decades. The research method employed is descriptive-explanatory, utilizing a deductive strategy and inspired by the theory of ethnic elite competition. It seeks to explore the influence of variables such as ethnic nationalism, deprivation, the state, and competition among regional and transregional powers in internal conflicts. The data collection tool used is a questionnaire, and the statistical population consists of intellectual elites from Pashtun, Tajik, Hazara, and Uzbek ethnic groups. The sample size for this study is 400 intellectual elites selected through random sampling. The research initially lacked hypotheses, as the results were obtained after entering data through SPSS software and then applying linear regression calculations. The findings indicate a significant correlation between ethnic nationalism (r = 73%), the state (r = 152%), relative deprivation (r = 52%), and the competition of regional and transregional powers (r = 126%) with social conflicts. Moreover, the most crucial factor in the continuation of internal conflicts in Afghanistan is the monopolization of government by the dominant ethnic group. Ethnic elites, given their societal influence, can act both as agents of conflict escalation and as facilitators of peace.
Identifying Civil Liability for Violation of the Right to Fame in Iranian and English Law
Investors, industrial owners, factories, and service companies utilize the name, image, and voice of famous personalities, or celebrities, to promote their goods and services. This exploitation of fame can generate substantial income for the holders of fame. The right to fame, derived from a person's voice, image, or persona, is a legitimate right that individuals have to control the commercial use of their identity. This right has both positive and negative aspects. The negative aspect seems to concern privacy and personality rights, while the material aspect focuses more on the commercial applications of fame. In numerous cases, the unauthorized use of a famous personality's fame for economic and commercial purposes has led to dissatisfaction and the initiation of legal proceedings. The development of legal protections for the right to fame within the framework of intellectual property law has the potential to safeguard the rights of those holding fame. Common law countries have provided protection for the right to fame by utilizing general principles governing intellectual property and modern legal frameworks. However, in Iran’s legal system, due to the lack of minimum regulations governing this right, the existing judicial procedures are insufficient and ineffective in addressing the violation of the right to fame.
Analysis of Dimensions and Components of Strategy in Media Based on the Meta-Synthesis Method
Today, media have influenced all aspects of life. Therefore, a deeper understanding of media strategy is essential. The aim of the present study was to analyze the dimensions and components of strategy in media based on the meta-synthesis method. In this research, using the meta-synthesis approach, an attempt was made to systematically analyze the scientific literature in this field and provide a conceptual framework for configuring the subject of science and technology diplomacy. To this end, out of 130 identified relevant sources, after undergoing the necessary steps, a total of 23 sources were reviewed and analyzed. The findings indicated that the concepts related to media strategy can be categorized into four main dimensions: the nature and essence of strategy in media, the formulation of strategy in media, the implementation and execution of strategy in media, and finally, the outcomes, evaluation, and impact assessment of strategy in media.
Examining the Role of the Supreme Audit Court in Budget Implementation in Iran and Comparing It with French Law
Parliamentary oversight in a political system reflects the supervision of representatives of the people over the government and the formation of a democratic structure. The independence of the legislature from the executive branch is one of the most crucial steps in political development in Iran, and legislative oversight can be regarded as a guarantee for seeking justice and holding the government accountable. According to Article 76 of the Constitution of Iran, the Parliament (Majlis) is authorized to investigate all affairs of the country. Furthermore, Article 55 of the Constitution grants the right of budget oversight to the Parliament through the Supreme Audit Court. However, there are numerous challenges in parliamentary oversight of budget implementation. Given that the structure of parliamentary oversight over the budget is carried out through the Supreme Audit Court, this research, employing a descriptive-analytical approach and a library research method, compares parliamentary oversight of budget implementation in the legal systems of Iran and France. The choice of France for comparative study stems from the fact that it was the second country after the United States and the first European country to establish a government structure based on the separation of powers and state control, influenced by Montesquieu's ideas. The findings of the research indicate that there are legal and executive shortcomings in parliamentary oversight in Iran, and on the other hand, the Supreme Audit Court also lacks a coherent legal and technical framework in its leadership domain. Consequently, these factors collectively reduce the performance of the Supreme Audit Court in the country.
Identifying the Factors Influencing Lifestyle on Law Evasion Among Citizens (Noor County)
The aim of this study is to identify the impact of lifestyle on law evasion among citizens in Noor County. The research method is descriptive and survey-based, falling under quantitative research, and it is applied in terms of its objectives. The statistical population of the study consists of 384 citizens from Noor County. Data collection was conducted through researcher-made questionnaires. Cronbach's alpha test was used to determine reliability, and the GFI test was employed to assess validity. Additionally, PLS software was used to test the research hypotheses. The results of the study indicate that lifestyle, through components such as individual factors, economic capital, economic and social status, cultural consumption, and social factors, influences the dimensions of law evasion, including political factors, legal factors, managerial factors, cultural factors, social factors, economic factors, and structural and external factors. Based on the results, it is recommended that lifestyle regulation be described as a political or social phenomenon to somewhat influence individual behavior.
Application of Taoist Principles and Feng Shui in Urban Spaces (Landscaping and Garden Design)
The Taoist school emphasizes concepts such as "Yin and Yang" and "Tehya." Taoism has had a profound influence on architecture, painting, landscaping, home decoration, and lifestyle, extending beyond the borders of China to impact the entire modern world. The application of Far Eastern worldviews based on Taoist thought and its arrangement techniques, such as Feng Shui and its unique interior decoration in homes, urban spaces, garden design, and landscaping, deeply enhances and elevates the quality of life. Relying on ancient knowledge and experience, it can be stated that Tao is a spiritual way of life that enables humans to channel the positive energies of nature into themselves. The present study poses the question of how Taoist philosophical concepts influence urban space design. Taoism, one of the oldest philosophical schools in China, has significantly impacted the art of that region, with its ultimate goal being the harmony and consonance of humans with the natural order in life. Given that the practical art of Feng Shui is a derivative of this philosophy, the aim of this research is to identify and apply the fundamental elements of this mystical philosophy in urban planning and landscaping, and to bridge the gap between theory and practice in the philosophy and art of interior and exterior design. In this study, which presents its findings in an analytical-descriptive manner, we first analyze and examine Feng Shui's influence on the mystical and ontological foundations of Taoism and the manifestation of this approach in design and landscaping principles. It is then demonstrated that the application of these elements in urban spaces can bring not only visual beauty but also peace, balance, and harmony to the modern urban dweller.
Designing a Model for Promoting Voluntary Activities Based on Humanitarian Approaches Among Youth in the Hilal Ahmar
The primary objective of this study was to design a model for promoting voluntary activities among youth based on humanitarian approaches within the Hilal Ahmar. This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with 15 experts, managers, and trainers within Hilal Ahmar, as well as subject matter experts and stakeholders at the national level. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, and data saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and subthemes, which were then organized into a model for promoting voluntary activities. The study also employed triangulation methods to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings. The analysis revealed four main themes: motivations for volunteering, challenges in volunteer engagement, strategies for enhancing participation, and the outcomes of voluntary participation. Key motivators included altruism, personal development, social connections, and cultural values, while challenges such as lack of awareness, resource constraints, and psychological barriers were identified. Strategies for enhancing participation included awareness campaigns, incentive programs, capacity building, community involvement, and flexible volunteering options. The outcomes of volunteer participation included significant social impact, personal growth, professional development, cultural understanding, and emotional well-being. The study provides a comprehensive model for promoting voluntary activities among youth in Hilal Ahmar, emphasizing the importance of addressing both motivators and barriers to participation. By implementing targeted strategies, organizations can effectively engage youth in humanitarian efforts, contributing to their development and the betterment of society. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to foster a culture of volunteerism among youth.
Investigating the Relationship Between Language, Location, Cognition and Awareness, Social Cohesion, and Beliefs with Attitudes Toward Democracy in Iran
The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between language, location, cognition and awareness, social cohesion, and beliefs with attitudes toward democracy in Iran. This research employed a survey methodology, and the statistical population consisted of individuals over the age of 18 in the city of Bushehr. Respondents were selected through a cluster random sampling method using the block design by the Iranian Statistical Center, and a total of 450 participants were chosen based on the research criteria. The research instruments included a researcher-developed Democracy Questionnaire and a researcher-developed Collective Identity Questionnaire. For statistical analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficient and SPSS24 software were utilized. The findings of the study indicated a significant relationship between place of residence and attitudes toward democracy. Additionally, there was a significant relationship between components of collective identity and belief and attitudes toward democracy. It can be concluded that serious efforts should be made to create conditions that encourage participation from both governmental and non-governmental sectors, such as non-governmental organizations and civil society activists, mosques, and religious centers. Freedom and equality are two dimensions of attitudes toward a democratic culture. These dimensions are often discussed in political debates, whereas freedom and equality, as social phenomena, should be considered within the context of family culture.
About the Journal
- Editor-in-Chief: Prof Nahide Konak
- Publisher: KMAN Publication Inc. (KMANPUB)
- Contact emails:
journalisslp@kmanpub.com
journalisslp@gmail.com - Open access: YES
- Peer-review: Yes (Open Peer-review)
Interdisciplinary Studies in Society, Law, and Politics (ISSLP) is a forward-thinking academic journal published by KMAN Publication Inc. (Dubai Office) and supported by the Iranian Association for Sociology of Education. It operates on an innovative, open-access platform, offering a peer-reviewed space dedicated to exploring the intricate connections among society, law, and politics.
ISSLP is committed to cultivating a holistic comprehension of how these realms intersect and influence one another. Our objective is to provide a dynamic forum for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers from diverse backgrounds to exchange research findings, theoretical insights, and practical knowledge. Through this exchange, we aim to enrich our collective understanding of societal structures, political dynamics, and legal principles.
Embracing a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary methodologies, ISSLP seeks to foster a robust discourse that transcends conventional academic boundaries. We welcome contributions that are intellectually rigorous yet accessible to a wide audience, thereby promoting a vibrant dialogue that advances scholarly inquiry and societal discourse.