Journal of Iranian Public Administration Studies

Journal of Iranian Public Administration Studies

Recognizing the Drivers of Nation-State Building with a Sustainable Development Approach in Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Ph.D. in Public Administration, Faculty of Management and Economics, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran.
2 Professor, Public Administration Department, Faculty of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
3 Associate Professor, Public Administration Department, Faculty of Management and Economics, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/jipas.2024.376808.1549
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to identify the key drivers that influence the process of nation-state building with a focus on sustainable development in Iran. Considering the growing significance of national integration, political stability, and social justice in advancing sustainable development, the research seeks to provide both a theoretical and empirical foundation for strategic policy-making at the national level.
Methodology: This research follows a mixed-method (qualitative-quantitative) and correlational design. In the qualitative phase, thematic analysis was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 12 academic experts in public administration, political science, and sociology. In the quantitative phase, data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire comprising 77 items and analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The sample included 384 experts from related fields. The validity of the instrument was confirmed through content and face validity, and its reliability was verified via Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability measures.
Findings: The findings revealed that the drivers of nation-state building with a sustainable development approach can be classified into seven categories: social, political, cultural, historical, economic, geographical, and environmental. Among these, political, social, and cultural components had the highest factor loadings. The measurement model demonstrated acceptable levels of reliability and goodness of fit. Endogenous variables such as political and social drivers showed strong explanatory power within the conceptual model. Key components included political legitimacy, quality of political participation, national identity, social cohesion, and public cultural development.
Conclusion: Despite its historical roots, nation-state building in Iran remains at an early stage and is challenged by ethnic fragmentation, social injustice, and political instability. The findings suggest that simultaneous attention to cultural and political components can play a decisive role in enhancing national unity and fostering a sustainable nation-building process. The practical implications of this study include a policy model based on development-oriented drivers for governance institutions, an emphasis on shared identity, and the promotion of civic engagement. This model can serve as a guide for policymakers to reduce the state-society gap, strengthen effective governance, and achieve balanced and endogenous development.
Keywords

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  • Receive Date 05 February 2024
  • Revise Date 17 May 2024
  • Accept Date 22 May 2024