University of Tehran
Published jointly with Iranian World Studies AssociationJournal of World Sociopolitical Studies2588-31199120250101Americans, Death, Politics14410117910.22059/wsps.2025.387331.1485ENEhsanShahghasemiAssociate Professor of Communication, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranJournal Article20241001This study investigates the relationship between religious beliefs, particularly belief in life after death, and political inclinations among Americans. Utilizing data from the 2022 General Social Survey (GSS), we explored the sociopolitical impact of religiosity through statistical analyses, including Pearson’s chi-squared tests and independent samples t-tests. Findings indicate that religiosity significantly correlates with belief in life after death, with more religious individuals demonstrating a stronger inclination toward belief in an afterlife. Additionally, race and gender were found to be influential, as black Americans and American women were more likely to believe in life after death. However, socioeconomic factors such as income and education showed no significant association with afterlife beliefs. Contrary to expectations, age also lacked a meaningful relationship with belief in life after death. Lastly, we found that belief in the afterlife is significantly associated with one’s inclination towards republicans in the elections. These results emphasize the enduring influence of religious identity and spiritual beliefs on social and political attitudes.https://wsps.ut.ac.ir/article_101179_9cc019f6258900816b489bec524e98b2.pdfUniversity of Tehran
Published jointly with Iranian World Studies AssociationJournal of World Sociopolitical Studies2588-31199120250101Grassroots Activism and Advocacy for Palestinian Rights in the UK: Navigating Social Change and Global Justice45869997310.22059/wsps.2024.382818.1464ENMohsenFarkhaniPhD in British Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranRezaBagheriAssistant Professor of European Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranJournal Article20240924This paper explores the dynamics and influence of pro-Palestine movements in the UK, highlighting their role as critical agents of social change. Rooted in a rich history of social movements in the UK, these groups advocate for Palestinian rights and challenge the country's longstanding foreign policy alignment with Israel. By examining the diverse strategies and coalitions within pro-Palestine activism—from advocacy and media campaigns to legal challenges and grassroots mobilization—the study illustrates how these movements navigate complex political landscapes. Drawing on insights from 17 semi-structured interviews, it suggests the interrelatedness of local and global struggles for justice, underscoring the shared commitment to nonviolence, human rights, and international law. It emphasizes the unique position of the UK's pro-Palestine activism as both a reflection of domestic socio-political dynamics and a response to global geopolitical realities. It also reveals that many activists were previously engaged in various political causes related to justice before dedicating themselves to pro-Palestine advocacy. Ultimately, this paper seeks to illuminate the contributions of these movements to broader discourses of solidarity, resistance, and the pursuit of self-determination for the Palestinian people. This study also enhances the understanding of grassroots activism and its potential impact on international human rights advocacy.https://wsps.ut.ac.ir/article_99973_a17497d2217a8d528c399b96769c7c16.pdfUniversity of Tehran
Published jointly with Iranian World Studies AssociationJournal of World Sociopolitical Studies2588-31199120250101Cognitive Characteristic and Crisis Behaviour: An Analysis of Donald Trump’s Leadership Style and Operational Code in the Time of Crisis8711510101810.22059/wsps.2025.384855.1468ENYasaminMobaseriPhD Candidate of North American Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranZohrehNosrat KharazmiAssistant Professor of American Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranJournal Article20240804Crisis conditions create ambiguous situations where individuals rely more on their understanding and previous experiences. In the context of politics, depending on a leader’s characteristics, his perceptions may influence and override other agents in policy-making during the crisis time. Many studies claim that leaders’ perceptions may change as they confront crisis, as they learn from critical situations. Based on empirical data regarding President Donald Trump’s operational beliefs and leadership characteristics, this paper examines the theoretical basis for the ways in which core beliefs resist change and learning. To answer the main question, the operational code of President Trump had been analyzed in three separate phases: the immediate pre-presidential phase, his three years in office prior to COVID-19 breakout, his last nine months in office during the crises. The results of this research may address several questions regarding the Trump political leadership and belief system by focusing on changes in the cognitive construct of the president. https://wsps.ut.ac.ir/article_101018_b9553ef624c41710a829aa3c71f94b91.pdfUniversity of Tehran
Published jointly with Iranian World Studies AssociationJournal of World Sociopolitical Studies2588-31199120250101Theology Education and Its Application in Afghanistan's Educational Policies (1973–2021): A Narrative Review11715210116310.22059/wsps.2025.385281.1470ENRohollahEslamiAssistant Professor of Political Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashahad, Mashhad, IranBasir AhamdHasinAssociate Professor of Political Sciences, Jami University, Herat, AfghanistanJournal Article20240929In Afghanistan, theology forms a crucial component of the nation's cultural and societal identity, having been influenced by various political and social changes. This review article investigates the historical progression and present-day status of theology in Afghanistan, emphasizing pivotal historical periods such as the communist era, the Mujahideen governance, the Taliban governance, and the era of the Republic. It scrutinizes attempts to reconcile religious traditions with educational modernization, employing a qualitative-historical methodology. The research seeks to comprehend the shifts in theology and suggests recommendations to harmonize it with modern societal requirements. Despite the scarcity of literature, this study establishes a foundation for understanding the ways in which theology impacts Afghanistan's educational policies. By examining the evolution from 1973 to 2021, it underscores how political, social, and ideological factors have molded the substance and approaches of theology, thereby shaping Afghanistan's national identity and cultural growth. Significant fluctuations can be observed in the position, content, and teaching methods, as well as the application of theology during this period, which have directly influenced the national identity, as well as the social, and cultural development of Afghanistan. Religion and theology have been perceived as tools for gaining and maintaining power or as obstacles to the influence of power for the governments of Afghanistan over the past fifty years.https://wsps.ut.ac.ir/article_101163_6567eb8cbcc86503568954d269d372f1.pdfUniversity of Tehran
Published jointly with Iranian World Studies AssociationJournal of World Sociopolitical Studies2588-31199120250101Ontological Insecurity and the Decline of the UK Empire: A Study of National Identity under the New Labour Government (1997-2007)15319110125610.22059/wsps.2025.385967.1476ENSiavashChavoshiAssistant Professor of European Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-1387-2997Journal Article20240825This article investigates whether the United Kingdom experienced a significant identity crisis, both geographically and historically, during the New Labour government (1997-2007); it argues that the United Kingdom, which was traditionally regarded as a dominant global superpower, can no longer sustain such a role in the complex and evolving dynamics of the modern world. In this regard, the key question raised is “To what extent were New Labour's policies under Tony Blair shaped by social factors such as trauma, anxiety, and status?” Using a mixed methodology, the article hypothesizes that the UK government struggled to assert material power, while addressing societal anxieties linked to its waning status as a middle power in the international society. The historical analysis traces the roots of the UK's self-perception, connecting this behaviour to a state of ontological insecurity—a national identity crisis in contemporary times to act as a great power in international society. The article concludes that this sense of ontological insecurity under the New Labour government (1997-2007) originates from the loss of Britain's prodigious power status to the United States after World War II, along with the gradual erosion of British influence over former dominions, colonies, and other territories.<br /> https://wsps.ut.ac.ir/article_101256_ca5512de6ee232d84cdd1447b7ca1e27.pdfUniversity of Tehran
Published jointly with Iranian World Studies AssociationJournal of World Sociopolitical Studies2588-31199120250101Iran as a Middle Power Balancer: (Time for a Paradigm Shift in Iranian Foreign Policy)19322610157910.22059/wsps.2025.389489.1496ENSeyed MasoudMousavi ShafaeeAssociate Professor of International Relations, Trabiat Modares University, Tehran, IranHamid RezaKarimiPhD in International Relations, Trabiat Modares University, Tehran, IranJournal Article20240726The international order is undergoing profound transformations, ushering in a transitional period marked by instability and redefined power structure. This global transition has created a power vacuum in the Middle East, where regional actors, including Iran, Turkey and Israel, are pursuing unilateral strategies to establish dominance. However, these efforts have intensified rivalries and instability, while events such as the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, Hezbollah’s involvement in the conflict, escalating tensions in Syria, and the eventual fall of Bashar al-Assad have further exacerbated regional instability. This study explores a pivotal question: What strategy can safeguard Iran’s national interests amidst the dynamic transitions in the international and regional order? The research posits that Iran, as a pivot state, should adopt a paradigm shift to an issue-based foreign policy. This strategic shift enables Iran to move beyond a security-driven, survival-focused paradigm toward becoming a constructive middle power balancer. By prioritizing multilateral cooperation, addressing critical regional issues, and fostering diplomatic engagement, this approach enhances Iran’s ability to manage tensions, strengthen its influence, and promote stability. Ultimately, this redefined role aligns Iran’s national interests with broader regional and global frameworks, ensuring a more resilient and impactful foreign policy stance.https://wsps.ut.ac.ir/article_101579_5756c150944f7be26af107cf0c9f7a9b.pdf