scientific journal Political Sociology of the Islamic Revolution

Abstract This article is formulated with the aim of evaluating the alignment of the performance of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the discourse of the Islamic Revolution, particularly focusing on the concept of republicanism. The necessity of this research arises from the need to assess the extent to which the fundamental principles of the Revolution, especially republicanism, have been realized over four decades since its victory, in order to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the system. The discourse of the Islamic Revolution, rooted in the dual principles of republicanism and Islamism, has been analyzed using Laclau and Mouffe’s discourse analysis methodology.

The study reveals that republicanism, as one of the floating signifiers within the discourse of the Islamic Revolution, has undergone redefinition and shifts in meaning across different historical periods. Findings indicate that achievements such as the regular holding of elections and the strengthening of civil institutions have been realized. However, the decline in participation in recent elections compared to the maximum turnout in earlier periods has emerged as a challenge in this domain.

Consequently, the article proposes recommendations to strengthen political competition and participation, enhance transparency in electoral processes, and bolster civil institutions to reinforce republicanism within the framework of the Islamic Revolution’s discourse.