Ayatollah Khamenei’s Civilizational Theory (Proposal for a New Governance Model) with a Critical Approach to Organizational Convergence (model of new governance)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Post-doctoral, College of Political Science, University of Mazandaran , Babolsar, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran

Abstract

The requirements of the current world and the confrontation with Western modern civilization are inevitable, especially when the hegemony of the Western civilization model is presented as the only path for development and progress for other societies. One manifestation of this imitation of the West and non-native models is a phenomenon known as "organizational isomorphism," which can create grounds for the inefficiency of organizations and hinder development and progress. Therefore, adopting a native model in governance becomes essential. Such a model can be traced in the statements and speeches of Ayatollah Khamenei. Thus, this article seeks to answer the question of how the theory of Islamic civilization proposed by Ayatollah Khamenei addresses the issue of Western modern civilization concerning the advancement and efficiency of the country's institutions and organizations, with a critical view of organizational isomorphism, and how alternative models can be conceptualized with what considerations. Consequently, through a descriptive-analytical method and the use of library resources, along with a critical approach and reliance on phenomenological data, including historical phenomenology, it was ultimately concluded that the leadership, in the face of manifestations of Western modernity—such as isomorphism and organizational similarity—seeks alternative paths based on native culture. This is manifested in a conceptualization logic that includes the Second Step Statement as a strategy for civilization-building, the Islamic-Iranian model of progress as an alternative to Western and non-native models, and the theory of the revolutionary system as a revolutionary spirit aimed at advancing hidden goals. This initiative by the Supreme Leader is regarded as a strategic policy towards the horizon of new Islamic civilization-building and aligns with the proposal for a new governance model, which, in terms of essence and epistemological foundations, has significant differences from Western models and their modern requirements.

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References

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Public Law Knowledge Quarterly
Volume 14, Issue 3 - Serial Number 49
September 2025
Pages 147-177

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 18 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 27 July 2025

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