This Assignment Is A Take-Home Essay Of 2 Questions 134579

This assignment is a take-home essay assignment of 2 questions, 2 pages each

This assignment is a take-home essay assignment consisting of two questions, each requiring a two-page response. The responses must exclusively utilize the required texts and readings from this course. The first question asks whether Iran qualifies as a democracy, prompting an evaluation based on the definitions of democracy and their application to Iran’s political system. The second question explores how understanding culture informs the study of political systems and highlights the importance of incorporating cultural analysis into comparative politics.

Paper For Above instruction

1. Is Iran a democracy?

This essay examines whether Iran qualifies as a democracy by evaluating its political characteristics through the lens of established democratic criteria. The discussion is segmented into three perspectives: First, why certain scholars or analysts consider Iran to be partially a democracy. This view often stems from Iran's electoral processes, such as presidential and parliamentary elections, which allow for some political participation and competition, fostering an image of democratic legitimacy. The existence of elected institutions and votes provides a veneer of democracy; however, these are often constrained by theocratic oversight and limited political pluralism. Second, why others argue that Iran fundamentally differs from a democracy. Critics point to the dominance of unelected religious authorities, particularly the Supreme Leader, who holds ultimate power over the political system. The lack of full political freedoms, media censorship, and restrictions on opposition movements emphasize authoritarian features in Iran’s governance. Third, my verdict on Iran’s political system, considering these perspectives. While Iran possesses some characteristics of electoral democracy, the overarching influence of religious authority and control over political life positions it closer to an authoritarian regime with hybrid features. Consequently, I argue that Iran cannot be classified as a full democracy, but rather as a hybrid regime that incorporates some democratic elements within a broader authoritarian context.

2. Culture and Politics

This essay explores three ways in which an understanding of culture enriches the study of political systems. First, culture shapes political identities and values, which influence citizens’ attitudes toward authority, participation, and governance. Recognizing cultural differences helps explain why similar political institutions may function differently across societies, as seen in variations between Western liberal democracies and more collectivist societies. Second, cultural norms inform political behavior and institutional development. For example, in East Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea, Confucian values underpin political practices emphasizing hierarchy and social harmony, affecting policy-making and leadership styles. Third, culture influences political stability and change by embedding deeply rooted beliefs regarding authority, justice, and participation. Social movements often draw on cultural symbols and narratives to mobilize support or challenge existing regimes. If we neglect culture in our comparative analysis, we risk overlooking these fundamental influences, leading to an incomplete understanding of political dynamics. For example, applying Western democratic models to societies with different cultural foundations may lead to ineffective or inappropriate policies. Therefore, integrating cultural analysis is essential for a comprehensive understanding of political systems and their development.

References

• Chehabi, H. E., & Linz, J. J. (1998). Iran: Political development in a revolutionary context. Johns Hopkins University Press.
• Inglehart, R., & Welzel, C. (2005). Modernization, cultural change, and democracy: The human development sequence. Cambridge University Press.
• Lewis, P. (2008). The politics of Islamism: Divergent paths in the Muslim world. Routledge.
• Morris, L. (2014). Understanding political culture. Routledge.
• Smith, G. (2005). Culture, democracy, and development. Routledge.
• Putnam, R. D. (1993). Making democracy work: Civic traditions in modern Italy. Princeton University Press.
• Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's consequences: Comparing values, behaviors, institutions, and organizations across nations. Sage Publications.
• Lipset, S. M. (1959). "Some social requisites of democracy: Economic development and political legitimacy." American Political Science Review, 53(1), 69-105.
• Kymlicka, W. (2002). Contemporary political philosophy: An introduction. Oxford University Press.
• Fish, M. S. (2002). The politics of here and now: Defense of activist scholarship. Rowman & Littlefield.