Foundations and Factors Contributing to the Permanence of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Foreign pressures, along with inefficiencies, have been significant factors in the country's political landscape for over a decade, impacting various aspects of Iranians' political and social lives. However, despite these challenges, the ruling political system has managed to sustain itself. Therefore, the primary question of this study is: How has the Islamic Republic been able to maintain its stability and longevity in the face of external pressures and internal inefficiencies? It is assumed that the Islamic Republic of Iran, in addition to its success in institution-building, possesses sufficient reserves of support that it has been able to rely on, despite external pressures and inefficiencies, to maintain its longevity. Utilizing Huntington's systemic theory and institutional approach as a theoretical framework, the findings indicate that the Islamic Republic has managed to endure despite external challenges and operational weaknesses. This resilience can be attributed to the quality of the establishment of the Islamic Republic, which has addressed the gaps between religion and state as well as the concept of the nation-state. Furthermore, its governance strategies—such as the continuation of popular political mobilization following the revolution, reliance on domestic support, and the establishment of revolutionary institutions—along with its relative efficiency in key areas, have enabled it to accumulate the necessary reserves of support. On the other hand, due to its extensive experience in successfully adapting to crises, its strong functional adaptability, structural diversity, independence from social groups, and cohesion—particularly during challenging times—it possesses a relatively high level of institutional strength that ensures its continuity and survival.