A Theoretical Introduction to the Reasons for Political Conflicts Emphasizing on the Role of Political Systems

Subject Areas : Iranian Political Research

Hanif Athari Allaf ¹ , Saeed Gazerani ² , Aliasghar Davoudi ³

1 - P.hD., Student, Department of Political Science, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
2 - Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
3 - Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.

Received: 2022-05-27 Accepted : 2022-07-09 Published : 2023-09-23

Keywords: people, Power balance, Political Systems,  Political Conflicts, Government, Violence,

Abstract :

Although governments stem from the people’s will and their sustenance depend on their satisfaction, conflict between both sides in this transaction is inevitable. In this regard, the present study seeks to explain some behaviors of the governments as the more powerful side of the transactions which cause political conflicts and challenge the survival of the governments. To this aim, a descriptive-analytic method as well as historical documents and objective evidence were used to identify causes of political conflicts that come from the governments’ behavior. The research relies on the hypothesis that disorder in providing people’s basic needs, unreasonable beliefs and behaviors, and power imbalance are the main reasons for political conflicts. According to the obtained results, it seems that the beginning source of conflict between people and governments is the existence or perception of injustice. Furthermore, in a monoliteral power system where both the government as the more powerful side and people as the less powerful side seek to achieve scarce resources, usually the more powerful side takes steps to create a hegemonic system by using its opportunities. On the other hand, people who are fed up with mere obedience, always seek a chance to nullify this hegemony by any means. In general, it seems that the governments’ negligence to meet people’s needs can gradually increase dissatisfied groups in society and cause unreturnable political conflicts, especially when the government is supposed to make decisions to decrease social dissatisfaction or provide more privilege for people. It appears that the first step by the governments to control political conflict is to remove the perception of injustice in society through meeting people’s basic needs. In the next step, the governments should focus on increasing their legitimacy that requires creating freedom, in addition to maintaining their dignity and avoidance of violence. Finally, the governments ought to prevent the gradual growing of dissatisfaction in society and guide people’s energy towards participatory activities in order to avoid creation of conflicts. This issue requires the optimal conduction of the governments’ special act that is giving service to people. 

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