دانشگاه تهرانپژوهشهای جغرافیای انسانی2008-629658320261003Explaining the Shrinkage Pattern in Upgraded Small Settlements of Iran: A case study of Nir Cityتبیین الگوی انقباض در سکونتگاه‌های کوچک ارتقا یافته ایران، مطالعه موردی: شهر نیر11610755810.22059/jhgr.2026.407143.1008861FAسحردهقان نیریگروه مدیریت و برنامه‌ریزی شهری، دانشکده شهرسازی، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایران0009-0004-2068-6334ندامعیریانگروه مدیریت و برنامه ریزی شهری، دانشکده شهرسازی، دانشگاه تهران، تهران،ایران0000-0002-7478-0535Journal Article20260513ABSTRACT
This study explores the patterns of shrinkage in administratively upgraded small settlements in Iran, using Nir City as a case study. The study employs a qualitative approach utilizing the adapted grounded theory method. Data were collected through 17 in-depth interviews with local residents and city officials, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that shrinkage in Nir City functions as a self-reinforcing, multidimensional cycle driven by the interaction of ecological, economic, institutional, and social dimensions. Drought as the primary trigger has weakened the city’s agricultural economy leading to economic stagnation. This decline has resulted in net outmigration and drain of human capital, which, in turn, eroded the city's financial and institutional foundation. Administrative policies intended to upgrade the city—implemented with a rent-seeking logic and without consideration for the city's actual capacity—have exacerbated this cycle. Socially, the erosion of social capital and the rise of fatalism and hopelessness have limited opportunities for collective action, further entrenching the cycle. This research introduces the concept of "institutional-ecological shrinkage" as a key pattern in similar administratively upgraded small settlements in Iran, distinguishing it from classical shrinkage patterns observed in large industrial cities.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Urban shrinkage is a multidimensional phenomenon that has affected numerous regions worldwide since the late twentieth century, resulting in sustained population decline, economic stagnation, and deteriorating urban functionality. The scholarly literature on this subject has been predominantly concentrated on large industrial cities in the Global North—cities that entered a cycle of decline following periods of population and economic growth. In the Global South, however, a distinct pattern of shrinkage has emerged, manifesting primarily in small and medium-sized cities that are more vulnerable to shocks such as out-migration and environmental crises due to their weak institutional and economic capacities.
In Iran, the administrative upgrading of villages and townships to the status of cities has been one of the most significant instruments of spatial policy. The reduction of the minimum population threshold for upgrading a settlement from 10,000 to 3,500 persons has led to a dramatic increase in the number of small upgraded cities. This process has given rise to what Iranian scholars term kham-shahrs (proto-cities or cities-on-paper)—settlements that have obtained legal urban status without possessing the economic, institutional, and functional foundations required for genuine urban development. Evidence illustrates that many of these cities face economic stagnation, population decline, and weakening regional roles. Despite the scale of this phenomenon, the experience of shrinkage in small upgraded settlements has not been systematically studied in Iran.
Against this backdrop, this study selects Nir City as a case study to explain the pattern of shrinkage in this type of settlements to contribute to the development of a contextually grounded framework for understanding this phenomenon in Iran.
Methodology
The study employed a qualitative approach using adapted grounded theory. Participants were selected based on their lived experience, knowledge, and engagement with the phenomenon. Sampling was purposive, utilizing a maximum variation strategy to capture a broad range of perspectives. Data were collected through 17 in-depth, unstructured interviews with residents (n=12) and local officials (n=5). Sampling continued until theoretical saturation was achieved—after the fifteenth interview, new data predominantly repeated earlier themes, and two additional interviews were conducted to confirm saturation.
Data analysis employed inductive thematic analysis. In the first stage, interview transcripts were coded without reliance on a predetermined theoretical framework, yielding 215 primary codes, subsequently organized into 28 concepts, and ultimately consolidated into 10 main themes. In the second stage, the extracted themes were compared and interpreted against the urban shrinkage literature to situate findings within existing knowledge and identify the distinctive features of small upgraded cities.
Nir City, covering 338.7 hectares, is located on the southern edge of Yazd Province, 80 kilometers from the provincial capital. Nir obtained city status in 1983 under the prevailing administrative reclassification law that required district centers to be designated as cities. Both qualitative and quantitative findings consistently indicate that, despite periods of relative population stability, the city has been on a long-term trajectory of structural shrinkage. The population declined by approximately 17 percent between 1991 and 2011 according to Statistics Center data; health center records suggest the drop was closer to 40 percent (from 5,000 to 3,000 persons) over the same period. The proportion of elderly residents has doubled over 30 years, and 63.5 percent of the population aged over ten years belongs to the economically inactive category.
Results and discussion
Findings are organized into three broad categories: background factors, inertia factors, and consequences.
A) Background Factors of Shrinkage
1. Climatic Conditions and Drought Recurrent. droughts and declining water resources over three decades have been the starting point for most demographic and economic transformations in Nir. Interviewees identified this period as the turning point of the city's decline, highlighting the drying of wells and qanats, declining agricultural productivity, and reduced cultivated areas as the most significant consequences.
2. Economic Stagnation. The decline in water resources has directly manifested as economic stagnation. The local economy's heavy dependence on agriculture and livestock meant that falling production confronted a large proportion of residents with severe livelihood constraints. Economic stagnation and out-migration operate as a mutually reinforcing cycle: income decline triggers migration, while migration deepens stagnation through reduced demand and weakened local circulation.
3. Service Deficits. As shrinkage intensified, public services and educational facilities gradually deteriorated. The absence of certain secondary school tracks has prompted families with otherwise stable economic situations to migrate to the provincial capital to secure educational opportunities for their children.
4. Cultural and Normative Dynamics of Migration. Alongside structural factors, cultural and normative patterns have contributed to institutionalizing migration. "Leaving the city" has gradually become normalized as a "natural stage of life" among young people and their families. Migration reproduces itself through migration networks and kinship ties.
5. Administrative Reclassification and Decline in Urban Status. The separation of the Garizat and Kahdouiyeh rural districts and the formation of a new sub-province in 2008 reduced Nir's administrative-political population and weakened its status as a district center. Interviewees interpreted this change as deepening pre-existing tensions between the county seat and Nir.
B) Inertia Factors (Inhibitors of Adaptation)
1. Static Orientation and Fatalism. A pervasive sense of hopelessness about improving conditions emerged as a recurring theme across interviews. Among farmers and their families, comparisons between remembered past fertility and the current arid landscape generate visible grief and loss.
2. Lack of Unity and Solidarity Among Residents and Officials. Many interviewees believed that greater social solidarity among local groups would have allowed Nir to chart a different course. Local decision-making processes are frequently characterized by conflict and rarely result in constructive agreement. The division between government and citizens, which is rooted in Iran's political culture, is reproduced at the local level, constituting a barrier to effective collective action.
C) Consequences of Shrinkage
1. Out-Migration and Labor Shortage. Sustained out-migration has produced a critical shortage of local and skilled labor. Approximately 40–45 percent of municipal employees are non-residents who commute daily with little motivation to settle permanently in Nir.
2. Population Aging. A significant share of Nir's permanent residents are elderly persons whose children have migrated for employment, education, or family formation. Over 21.6 percent of the total population of Taft County consists of persons aged over 60, compared with a national figure of 11.5 percent in 2024.
3. Vacant Housing and Seasonal Residence. Approximately 3,000 residential units with completion permits are registered in Nir, while only 1,091 households are identified as permanent residents—implying that approximately 65 percent of units are vacant or used as second homes.
The Self-Reinforcing Cycle of Shrinkage
Data analysis reveals that shrinkage in Nir is not a linear, single-factor process but operates as a self-reinforcing cycle. The environmental crisis driven by sustained drought debilitated the agricultural economy; economic stagnation generated progressive out-migration - particularly among young people and human capital holders. Therefore, migration deepened stagnation through reduced demand, weakened services, labor shortages, and population aging. Simultaneously, administrative reclassification reduced the city's capacity to attract resources, while attitudinal (hopelessness) and institutional (lack of solidarity) factors curtailed the collective capacity to break out of this cycle. Consequences such as population aging, vacant housing, and dependence on non-resident labor are not merely symptoms of shrinkage—they function as feedback loops that reproduce and intensify it.
Conclusion
Invisibility of Small Administratively Upgraded Settlements and Urban Power Structures. The findings confirm that shrinkage in Nir is not a result of planning failure but a response to structural economic and demographic transformations. However, the experience of Nir diverges from the classical pattern of industrial city shrinkage. The study aligns with Robinson's (2013) critique of "world-city urbanism," which argues that the theoretical focus on a limited number of megacities has excluded small and medium cities from theory production. Nir is not a marginal case but a site for understanding how processes of statistical urbanization, spatial development bias, and shrinkage intersect. The study further shows that the phenomenon is bound up with unequal power distribution in the urban system: the concentration of capital, attention, and symbolic legitimacy in large cities places small cities in a marginal position. Administrative upgrading without structural changes in power inequalities not only fails to prevent shrinkage but may intensify the experience of peripherality.
Administrative Upgrading as Nominal Scale Jump. The study confirms and contextualizes Zanganeh Shahraki's (2013) argument that many small cities in Iran were upgraded for administrative and political reasons rather than functional necessity. The upgrading of Nir constituted a "nominal scale jump" inconsistent with the settlement's actual capacities. The gap between the promises of upgrading and the prevailing realities generated disillusionment, institutional distrust, and social capital erosion—findings consistent with Bastin (2015).
Conclusions and Theoretical Contributions
The study offers four main theoretical contributions:
First, The Concept of "Post-Upgrade Shrinkage". Unlike classical shrinkage models in which decline follows a sustained growth phase, in Nir the onset of shrinkage is near-simultaneous with administrative upgrading. Administrative upgrading under conditions of ecological crisis and economic fragility can itself trigger a new cycle of shrinkage.
Second, The Distinction Between "Organic Peak" and "Nominal Peak". An organic peak reflects the gradual accumulation of population, capital, and economic functions, whereas a nominal peak results from an administrative decision that raises urban expectations and obligations without providing the capacities needed to meet them. This concept explains how statistical urbanization without functional backing becomes part of the shrinkage mechanism.
Third, The Model of "Institutional-Ecological Shrinkage Cycle". This model demonstrates how ecological drivers, economic fragility, and institutional constraints become interconnected in a self-reinforcing cycle that reproduces shrinkage. In this cycle, administrative upgrading is not an external intervention but part of the shrinkage mechanism, operating through the intensification of the expectations–reality gap.
Fourth, Repositioning Small Upgraded Settlements in the Urban-Rural Continuum. Nir is neither fully urban nor fully rural; it occupies an intermediate position in which features of both urban and rural shrinkage coexist simultaneously. This finding calls for a rethinking of the binary urban-rural classification and points to the need for contextually sensitive policy frameworks. The primary question should not be whether small settlements should be upgraded, but rather: under what ecological, economic, and institutional conditions can upgrading generate sustainable development—and under what conditions does it activate or accelerate cycles of shrinkage?
Funding
There is no funding support.
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the expert advisors and interview participants who provided valuable insights and guidance for this paper.انقباض شهری در ادبیات جهانی عمدتاً در بستر شهرهای بزرگ صنعتی و اقتصادهای پساصنعتی بررسی‌شده است. درحالی‌که شناخت محدودی از الگوهای انقباض در سکونتگاه‌های کوچک ارتقا یافته در کشورهای درحال‌توسعه وجود دارد. در ایران، تغییرات قوانین تقسیمات کشوری طی دهه‌های اخیر به ارتقای شمار زیادی از سکونتگاه‌های کوچک به شهر انجامیده است؛ سکونتگاه‌هایی که غالباً بدون برخورداری از زیرساخت‌های اقتصادی، نهادی و عملکردی متناسب، جایگاه شهری یافته و در برابر شوک‌ها و بحران‌های اقتصادی آسیب‌پذیر شده‌اند. پژوهش حاضر با هدف تبیین الگوی انقباض در سکونتگاه‌های کوچک ارتقا یافته، شهر نیر را به‌عنوان مطالعه موردی بررسی می‌کند. این پژوهش با رویکرد کیفی و بهره‌گیری از نظریه داده بنیاد سازگار یافته انجام‌شده است. داده‌ها از طریق ۱۷ مصاحبه عمیق با ساکنان و مدیران محلی گردآوری و با تحلیل مضمون بررسی‌شده‌اند. یافته‌ها نشان می‌دهد انقباض در شهر نیر در قالب چرخه‌ای خودتقویت‌گر و چندبعدی شکل‌گرفته که حاصل تعامل عوامل اکولوژیک، اقتصادی، نهادی و اجتماعی است. خشک‌سالی به‌عنوان محرک اولیه، اقتصاد متکی بر کشاورزی را تضعیف کرده و به رکود اقتصادی، مهاجرت و خروج سرمایه انسانی انجامیده است. همچنین سیاست ارتقای اداری به دلیل عدم تناسب با ظرفیت‌های واقعی سکونتگاه و ضعف ساختارهای نهادی،، برخی روندهای انقباضی را تشدید کرده است. در سطح اجتماعی نیز فرسایش سرمایه اجتماعی، گسترش نگرش‌های تقدیرگرایانه و کاهش ظرفیت کنش جمعی، تداوم این چرخه را تقویت کرده‌اند. این پژوهش الگوی «انقباض نهادی-اکولوژیک» را به‌عنوان تبیینی زمینه‌مند برای تجربه شهر نیر پیشنهاد می‌کند که می‌تواند مبنایی برای مطالعات تطبیقی آینده و تدوین سیاست‌گذاری توسعه‌ای در سکونتگاه‌های مشابه در ایران باشد.https://jhgr.ut.ac.ir/article_107558_ef7cbd5b955d10aa0705eceb0c97f2f1.pdfدانشگاه تهرانپژوهشهای جغرافیای انسانی2008-629658320260923Posthumanism Philosophy and the Redefinition of Topography in Geopolitical Studiesفلسفه پساانسانگرایی و بازتعریف مفهوم توپوگرافی در مطالعات ژئوپلیتیک183310758110.22059/jhgr.2026.409284.1008876FAعابدگل کرمیگروه جغرافیا، دانشکده ادبیات و علوم انسانی، دانشگاه لرستان، خرم‌آباد، ایران0009-0003-5582-2239بابکشفیعیگروه جغرافیای سیاسی، دانشکده علوم جغرافیایی، دانشگاه خوارزمی، تهران، ایران0009-0007-7562-6015علیامیریگروه جغرافیا، دانشکده ادبیات و علوم انسانی، دانشگاه لرستان، خرم‌آباد، ایران0000-0003-1029-7437Journal Article20260513ABSTRACTClassical geopolitical studies, grounded in an anthropocentric approach and a modern rationality, have treated non-human elements such as topography as physical settings for human actions. This article, drawing on posthumanism philosophy and Actor - Network Theory, redefines the position of topography as a dynamic active force in shaping power relations. The study adopts a qualitative, descriptive - analytical approach, employing library-based and documentary sources for data collection and analysis. The findings indicate that topography is not a neutral background but a determining factor in key domains such as borders, natural resources, military strategies, and environmental transformations. Within the framework of posthumanism, agency is distributed among humans, nature, and technology, transforming space into a multilayered phenomenon; in this sense, topography can function as an active element within geopolitical decision-making networks. This role is exemplified by the influence of mountains and rivers in the formation of political borders, the strategic positioning of border regions, access to energy resources, and the shaping of states’ military strategies. By moving beyond traditional binaries human/nature and subject/object, the study introduces the concept of “topographic agency” as a novel framework for the network-based analyses of power and space. Reinterpretation of topography enables a deeper understanding of the interactions between human and nonhuman factors in contemporary geopolitics and offers pathways toward sustainable, nature-based strategies in managing shared resources and addressing climate crises. This article, by presenting a philosophical–geopolitical approach, assists researchers and policymakers in recognizing the role of the natural environment in power and global politics analyses.Extended AbstractIntroductionGeopolitics has, since its inception, been founded upon the study of relationship between power and space. For more than a century, a substantial portion of the geopolitical literature has been based on the assumption that human beings, and particularly the state, are the most important - and indeed the only - factors shaping spatial and political relations. Within such an approach, natural elements such as mountains, rivers, plains, seas, and other topographic structures have primarily been regarded as settings or platforms for the realization of states’ political objectives. From the perspective of classical geopolitics, although nature may create opportunities or constraints, it is considered devoid of independent agency, and its meaning and function are defined in relation to human will. This understanding is rooted in the modern philosophical tradition that places human beings at the center of the social and political world and establishes a fundamental distinction between the human subject and the natural object. Within this perspective, nature is viewed as an object of knowledge, exploitation, and control rather than a participant in the production of political and social processes.However, theoretical developments in recent decades - particularly the emergence of posthumanism philosophy - have challenged many of these assumptions. By criticizing modern anthropocentrism, posthumanism reconsiders the boundaries between human and non-human entities and emphasizes that social and political reality is the product of networked interactions among a set of human and non-human actors. Thinkers such as Bruno Latour, Donna Haraway, Karen Barad, and Rosi Braidotti have demonstrated that agency cannot be attributed solely to human beings. Giving Actor–Network Theory, every phenomenon emerges through a network of relationships among different actors, and natural elements also participate in producing social and political outcomes. Accordingly, mountains, rivers, climate, technology, and even material infrastructures can constitute parts of a network of agency. This theoretical transformation has led to the reconsideration of numerous fundamental concepts in the social sciences and humanities, including power, space, identity, politics, and security. In the field of geopolitics, the emergence of climate crises, increasing competition over natural resources, intensifying environmental conflicts, and extensive changes in the spatial structures of the world have highlighted the necessity of redefining natural factors’ role. Events such as the melting of Arctic ice, water crises in transboundary basins, competition over energy resources, and the growing vulnerability of coastal regions to climate change demonstrate that nature is not merely the setting of politics but plays an active role in shaping political, economic, and security agendas.Although scholars such as Hafeznia, Yazdanpanah, Kamran, Akhbari, and Golkarami have emphasized the importance of geography in power relations, natural elements in these studies have largely been interpreted within the framework of human agency. Despite these developments, the majority of geopolitical studies remain within an anthropocentric framework, and topography is generally treated as an environmental variable or a physical constraint. A notable theoretical gap persists in the geopolitical literature, as no coherent framework has yet been provided for understanding the agency of topographic elements and their role in power and space production. Therefore, drawing upon the foundations of posthumanism philosophy and the theory of distributed agency, this study seeks to redefine the concept of topography in geopolitical studies and to demonstrate that topography is not merely the setting of politics but part of the network that produces politics and power. The chief objective is to provide a theoretical explanation of the “Topographical Agency” and to examine its implications for rethinking the concepts of power, space, and geopolitics. The central question is: In light of posthumanism philosophy, how is the concept of topography redefined in geopolitical studies, and what implications does this redefinition have for understanding power, space, and agency in contemporary geopolitics?MethodologyThis study is fundamental in purpose and adopts a qualitative, descriptive–analytical methodology. The data were collected through library and documentary studies. The research sources included classical and contemporary works in geopolitics, posthumanism philosophy, Actor–Network Theory, political geography, and environmental studies. The analytical process was conducted in three stages. In the first stage, key concepts related to agency, space, power, and topography were extracted from the primary texts. In the second stage, these concepts were compared and examined across the two fields of posthumanism philosophy and geopolitics in order to identify their similarities and differences. In the third stage, through theoretical synthesis, a conceptual framework was developed to explain the role of topographical agency in geopolitical processes. To enhance the conceptual validity of the findings, different sources were compared with one another, and the analyses reviewed several times to ensure the theoretical comprehensiveness of the proposed framework.Results and discussionThe findings indicate that posthumanism philosophy provides the possibility for a fundamental redefinition of the position of topography in geopolitical studies. Contrary to traditional approaches that regarded topography as a neutral setting for political action, within this framework topography is recognized as one of the elements of the network of agency that participates in the production of power through its interaction with human beings, technology, and political structures. The first domain in which the role of topographical agency becomes evident is political borders and territories. In the classical view, borders are often considered the product of political decisions made by states. However, the findings indicate that natural features play a pivotal role in the formation, stabilization, and redefinition of borders. The Himalayan Mountains constitute a prominent example of this situation. This mountain range has not only created a natural barrier between states but has also played a role in determining security patterns, communication routes, access to water resources, and even the formation of territorial identities. Therefore, political borders cannot be regarded merely as the result of human agreements; rather, they are the outcome of networked interactions among states, technologies, natural resources, and topographic structures.The second domain concerns natural resources. The findings indicate that natural resources cannot be understood without their topographical context. Access to oil, gas, water, and other strategic resources is profoundly influenced by the natural characteristics of the land. For example, in the Caspian Sea, differences in seabed depth among the coastal states have distributed opportunities for exploiting energy resources unevenly. Here, topography is not merely a physical constraint but plays an essential role in determining the geopolitical position of states and their degree of access to resources. Regarding the Nile River Basin, the natural structure of the region and its topographical characteristics have directly influenced the distribution of water and the emergence of political tensions among Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. Such instances demonstrate that what is referred to as a “resource” is not merely a natural reality but the product of a network of relations among natural elements, extraction technologies, and political structures.The third domain of the findings relates to military strategies. The examination of diverse cases illustrates that topography has a determining role in shaping the logic of war, defense, and security. Mountainous regions generate the patterns of warfare and defense that differ from those of plains. In the Himalayas, inaccessible highlands have become part of the defensive systems of states, whereas the vast plains of Ukraine have provided different conditions for armored and mechanized operations. An analysis of the Russia–Ukraine war reveals that the natural characteristics of the terrain affect the speed of military advances, the selection of tactics, and even the types of weapons employed. Therefore, military power cannot be understood solely as the result of commanders’ decisions or technological capabilities; rather, it should be regarded as the outcome of the interaction among human beings, technology, and topography.The fourth domain of the findings concerns environmental change. The results indicate that climate change and the topographical transformations associated with it are redefining the geopolitical structure of the world. The melting of Arctic ice has created new maritime routes and intensified competition among global powers for control over these areas. Likewise, sea-level rise, coastal erosion, droughts, and the reduction of freshwater resources have generated extensive geopolitical consequences. In the case of Iran, declining precipitation, falling groundwater levels, and water crises in border basins such as the Helmand and Aras river basins represent examples of the direct impact of environmental change on national security and foreign relations. This situation demonstrates that nature is not only a subject of environmental policymaking but also part of the logic of politics and national security. The findings further indicate that the geopolitical significance of different regions does not arise from their intrinsic characteristics. Rather, it is the result of their position within a network of political, economic, natural, and technological relations. From this perspective, topography, alongside other elements, participates in shaping the geopolitical value of spaces.The findings have imperative implications for reconsidering fundamental concepts in geopolitics. First, concerning power: in classical geopolitics, power is attributed to states, military institutions, and political organizations. However, from a posthumanism perspective, power is the product of networked relations among human and non-human actors—not something possessed, but produced through position and interaction within networks. Thus, mountains, rivers, seas, and climatic systems gain geopolitical significance not solely from physical characteristics but from their role within political, economic, security, and environmental networks. The central question shifts from who possesses power to how power is produced, distributed, and reproduced through relational networks.Second, regarding space: traditional approaches view space as a fixed, passive container for political processes. The findings indicate that space is dynamic, relational, and continuously reproduced. Climatic changes, technological developments, and topographical changes alter the meaning and function of space. Space is thus not merely the precondition of politics but also its product through diverse interactions.Third, geopolitics itself is redefined. Within a posthumanism framework, geopolitics is not simply the influence of geography on politics, nor merely the analysis of spatial discourses. Instead, it becomes the study of how power and space are jointly produced through networks of human and non-human actors. This challenges the nature–politics divide, showing that natural elements participate in political processes—especially significant in the Anthropocene, where climate crises and ecological transformations shape global politics. Ignoring natural agency leads to incomplete analyses and ineffective policies.Incorporating non-human actors is thus increasingly necessary. Moreover, the conceptual model shows that the topography–geopolitics relationship operates through multiple, reciprocal interactions. Changes in the four principal domains—borders, resources, military strategies, and environmental transformations—affect each other and reconfigure power and space. For example, environmental changes may alter resource access, intensify competition, and influence security and territorial arrangements. Technological developments may also modify the geopolitical significance of topographical features. These dynamics confirm that topography is not merely one element among many but an active participant in producing and reproducing geopolitical realities.ConclusionThe findings reveal that posthumanism philosophy provides an appropriate theoretical foundation for redefining the role of topography in geopolitical studies. Contrary to conventional approaches that assume topography as a passive setting for human action, this study shows that topography constitutes part of a network of distributed agency and actively contributes to power relations, spatial structures, and geopolitical transformations. The concept of Topographical Agency suggests that natural features participate in the production and reproduction of power across borders, resources, military strategies, and environmental change. Accordingly, power is not a centralized, exclusively human phenomenon but a distributed, relational process emerging from interactions among human actors, natural elements, and technological systems. Space likewise transforms from a static container into a dynamic, multilayered, and relational phenomenon.Geopolitics thus becomes the study of networks among humans, nature, and technology, where no single actor holds absolute power; all contribute differently to geopolitical realities. This approach suits contemporary challenges like climate crises, environmental security, resource conflicts, and transboundary governance. Practically, policymakers should pay greater attention to natural environments in shaping security, resource management, spatial planning, and climate adaptation. Recognizing topographical and environmental agency can foster more comprehensive and sustainable policies. Ultimately, redefining topography through posthumanism opens new horizons for geopolitical studies and deepens understanding of power-space relations today.FundingThere is no funding support. Authors’ ContributionAbed Golkarami (first author) was responsible for designing and conducting the research, formulating the theoretical framework, analyzing the findings, and writing the main sections of the article. Babak Shafiei (second author) contributed to gathering sources, the methodology, and the scientific review of the text, while Ali Amiri (third author) collaborated on the literature review, editing, and final proofreading of the article. Conflict of InterestAuthors declared no conflict of interest. AcknowledgmentsWe would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the expert advisors and interview participants who provided valuable insights and guidance for this paper.مطالعات کلاسیک ژئوپلیتیک، بر اساس رویکرد انسان‌محور و عقلانیت مدرن، عناصر غیرانسانی مانند توپوگرافی را عمدتاً به‌عنوان بستر فیزیکی کنش‌های انسانی در نظر می‌گرفتند. این مقاله با اتکا بر فلسفه پساانسانگرایی و نظریه عاملیت شبکه‌ای، جایگاه توپوگرافی را به‌عنوان عاملی پویا و فعال در شکل‌دهی به روابط قدرت بازتعریف می‌کند. پژوهش حاضر با رویکرد تحلیلی - توصیفی و کیفی، داده‌ها را کتابخانه‌ای و اسنادی جمع‌آوری و تحلیل کرده است. یافته‌ها نشان می‌دهد که توپوگرافی نه یک زمینه خنثی، بلکه عاملی تعیین‌کننده در حوزه‌های اصلی مرزها، منابع طبیعی، استراتژی‌های نظامی و تغییرات محیطی است. در چارچوب فلسفه پساانسانگرایی، عاملیت میان انسان، طبیعت و فناوری توزیع‌شده و فضا به پدیده‌ای پویا و چندلایه تبدیل می‌شود؛ به این معنا که توپوگرافی می‌تواند به‌عنوان عنصر فعال در شبکه‌های تصمیم‌سازی ژئوپلیتیکی عمل کند. نمونه‌هایی از این نقش شامل تأثیر کوه‌ها و رودخانه‌ها در تعیین مرزهای سیاسی، موقعیت استراتژیک مناطق مرزی، دسترسی به منابع انرژی و شکل‌گیری راهبردهای نظامی کشورها است. این مطالعه با عبور از دوگانه‌های سنتی انسان/طبیعت و سوژه/ابژه، مفهوم «عاملیت توپوگرافی» را به‌عنوان چارچوبی نوین برای تحلیل شبکه‌ای قدرت و فضا معرفی می‌کند. بازخوانی توپوگرافی در این چارچوب، امکان فهم عمیق‌تر از تعامل میان عوامل انسانی و غیرانسانی در ژئوپلیتیک معاصر را فراهم می‌آورد و راهگشای راهبردهای پایدار و طبیعت‌پایه در مدیریت منابع مشترک و مقابله با بحران‌های اقلیمی است. این مقاله با ارائه رویکردی فلسفی - ژئوپلیتیکی، به پژوهشگران و سیاست‌گذاران کمک می‌کند تا جایگاه فعال محیط طبیعی در تحلیل قدرت و سیاست جهانی را به‌طور نظام‌مند لحاظ کنند.https://jhgr.ut.ac.ir/article_107581_006927c41852ff27b3dd6de91a0f7b9e.pdfدانشگاه تهرانپژوهشهای جغرافیای انسانی2008-629658320261004Hydropolitical Analysis of the Diversion of Tigris Water into Turkey with the Construction of Ilisu Damتحلیل هیدروپلیتیکی انحراف آب دجله به داخل ترکیه با احداث سد ایلیسو355110686510.22059/jhgr.2024.366006.1008637FAحمید رضامحمدیگروه جغرافیای انسانی و آمایش، دانشکده علوم زمین، دانشگاه شهید بهشتی، تهران، ایران0000-0003-3361-7333محمدرضاجوفارگروه جغرافیای انسانی و آمایش، دانشکده علوم زمین، دانشگاه شهید بهشتی، تهران، ایران0000-0003-3361-7333Journal Article20260514ABSTRACT
In the 21st century, water has emerged as a critical component of geopolitical power dynamics, alongside energy and food. This shift towards water diplomacy reflects the recognition of water scarcity as a defining challenge of our time. The strategic significance of regions with abundant water resources has elevated, with the World Bank's 1995 prediction of water-based conflicts proving prescient. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Middle East, where tensions over shared water basins like the Tigris and Euphrates rivers persist. This study examines the geopolitical implications of Turkey's control over the Tigris and Euphrates rivers through the Ilisu Dam, focusing on downstream countries such as Syria, Iraq, and Iran. Employing descriptive-analytical and historical methods, the research aims to elucidate the multifaceted impacts of Turkey's water management strategies on these nations. The findings underscore the urgent need for a collaborative approach to address water-related challenges, including drought, dust storms, and land subsidence. The study advocates for a four-way cooperation among the downstream countries to establish equitable access to water resources and mitigate potential conflicts. It emphasizes the importance of a strategic alliance to leverage 'blue diplomacy' in resolving disputes and ensuring sustainable water management practices in the region.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Water holds political and security significance in the Middle East, influencing national and regional governmental policies. Following World War I, the region witnessed the division and fragmentation of territories, leading to the partitioning of rivers and shared water basins among present-day countries. Turkey aims to bolster its influence through hydropolitical dominance over downstream countries within these water basins. Water has become the paramount political concern in the region, precipitating conflicts of interest among nations over the allocation of water resources, including those of international rivers. This research seeks to address the query:
-"What geopolitical ramifications will arise in the downstream countries due to Turkey's control of the Tigris River through the Ilisu Dam?" Furthermore, the study delves into sub-questions such as:
- "What challenges will the utilization of the Ilisu Dam pose for downstream countries?"
-"How can the water scarcity crisis in the Tigris and Euphrates basin be effectively managed?
Methodology
The present research endeavors to offer a thorough analysis of the construction of the Ilisu Dam in Turkey and the diversion of the Tigris River to discern the geopolitical implications of the undertaking. The research methodology employed is qualitative, with an inductive data analysis approach. Utilizing a descriptive-analytical and historical framework, data collection primarily entails sourcing documents from libraries, as well as studying books, articles, and online resources. Conclusions are drawn from the ensuing discussions.
Results and discussion
In recent years, Turkey has intensified its exploitation of the Tigris River's upstream potential, raising legal disputes over the sharing of Tigris and Euphrates waters and triggering significant geopolitical ramifications. The emergence of hydropolitical crises underscores the intersection of international law and geopolitical realities. Turkey's shift in water policy has disrupted the established geopolitical balance in the region, heightening downstream countries' dependence on Turkish-controlled water resources. The escalating demand for drinking water, agricultural irrigation, and other vital uses in countries like Syria and Iraq has placed immense pressure on these nations domestically and internationally. Consequently, the geopolitical equilibrium in the region is being reshaped. Turkey's assertive water policies have exacerbated territorial and border tensions with its downstream neighbors. Furthermore, there is a risk that Turkey may wield its water management strategies as a means to exert power and influence in border disputes. The trajectory suggests a looming geopolitical crisis in the affected countries, with water-related issues increasingly shaping their future. The persistence of challenges such as floods, droughts, food insecurity, and unilateral water management projects in the Tigris and Euphrates basins indicates a continuing critical trend. The potential for international conflicts and cross-border disputes over water resources remains high in this densely populated watershed, which is home to approximately 60 million people across Iraq, Turkey, Syria, and Iran. The operation of the Ilisu Dam has already begun to impact the water quality of the Tigris River, leading to downstream consequences such as increased salinity in the Shat al-Arab and Karoun rivers. These transformations are altering the watershed dynamics and affecting maintenance costs. Water scarcity has become intertwined with national security concerns, exacerbating food and industrial insecurities and fostering population discontent, which could escalate into chaos or civil unrest. It's evident that water scarcity undermines economies and agricultural productivity, leading to societal unrest and potential geopolitical crises. The internal vulnerabilities of downstream countries weaken their economic, security, and political stability, amplifying their susceptibility to external pressures. In conclusion, the geopolitical implications of water management in the Tigris and Euphrates basin underscore the urgent need for cooperative and sustainable solutions to ensure regional stability and security.
Conclusion
Turkey's strategy aims to leverage every opportunity to assert its hydropolitical dominance over downstream countries, positioning itself as a hydro-hegemon within geostrategic calculations. This ambition drives Turkey to wield hydropolitics as a potent tool, aiming to redefine its regional role. However, the adverse effects of controlling the Tigris and Euphrates waters inevitably extend to Iran. Changes in the Shat al-Arab watershed, increased migration, wetland depletion, rising dust levels, water salinity, and agricultural challenges exacerbate local and national issues in Iran, with these problems projected to escalate in the future. The ecological landscape of the Tigris and Euphrates basins is poised for transformation, sparking public discontent and fueling local and regional conflicts within affected countries. The construction of the Ilisu Dam further exacerbates these challenges, amplifying their impact. These issues directly shape geopolitics, diminishing downstream countries' prestige, influence, and geopolitical autonomy vis-à-vis Turkey. Consequently, Syria and Iraq's geopolitical reliance on Turkey has surged due to its control over the Tigris and Euphrates water inflows. As a result of prevailing hydropolitical dynamics, Iraq, Syria, and Iran find themselves increasingly geopolitically tethered to Turkey. With dwindling water resources in Syria and Iraq, the potential for heightened conflicts and even warfare rooted in direct hydropolitical tensions looms ominously on the horizon.
Funding
There is no funding support.
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.آب از دیرباز در کانون توجه بوده و تمهید آب به دامنه‌ای از روابط قدرت میان دارندگان و نیازمندان به آن دامن زده است. بنیادی‌ترین شناسه‌های قرن حاضر تأمین آب، انرژی و غذا هستند. لذا بر بنیاد چنین شناسه‌هایی، این قرن را باید قرن دیپلماسی آب تعریف کرد. در آینده، مناطقی در جهان ارزش راهبردی خواهند داشت که منابع کلان و پایدار آب داشته باشند. بانک جهانی هشدار داده است که جنگ‌های آینده، جنگ‌های آب‌پایه خواهند بود. لذا تقابل قلّت آب شیرین و تقاضای دستیابی به آن سبب درگیری میان بازیگران شده است. در خاورمیانه، بحث‌برانگیزترین این مناقشات، بر سر رودخانه‌های دجله و فرات است که کشور ترکیه سعی در محصورسازی آن‌ها دارد. کشورهای پایین‌دست، بعد جدیدی از مناقشات ژئوپلیتیکی را تجربه می‌کنند. این پژوهش با استفاده از منابع کتابخانه‌ای به این سؤال پاسخ می‌دهد که «کنترل رودخانه دجله با استفاده از سد ایلیسو توسط ترکیه، چه نتایج ژئوپلیتیکی را در کشورهای پایین‌دست در پی دارد». روش تحقیق در این پژوهش کیفی است و رویکرد آن از نظر ماهیت تلفیق توصیفی-تحلیلی و تاریخی است. نهایتاً پژوهش حاضر به این نتیجه می‌رسد که کنترل رودخانه دجله منجر به تبدیل‌شدن ترکیه به هیدروهژمون در منطقه می‌شود و وابستگی ژئوپلیتیکی کشورهای پایین‌دست به‌خصوص عراق و سوریه به ترکیه افزایش می‌یابد. مناقشات دیرپای منطقه ظرفیت امکان تنش را افزایش می‌دهد به‌عنوان‌مثال خط تالوگ اروندرود تغییر خواهد کرد و احتمال تنش مرزی بین عراق و ایران نیز افزایش می‌یابد. منزلت، وزن و نفوذ ژئوپلیتیکیِ کشورهای پایین‌دست آبی دجله کاسته می‌شود و مؤلفه‌های مزبور برای ترکیه افزایش خواهد یافت.https://jhgr.ut.ac.ir/article_106865_33a605cc890bbaa7ce78be7e4c2642a2.pdfدانشگاه تهرانپژوهشهای جغرافیای انسانی2008-629658320261103The Pattern of Managing Nature-Based Tourism Destinations in the Face of Climatic and Environmental Changesالگوی مدیریت مقصدهای گردشگری طبیعت‌محور در مواجهه با تغییرات اقلیمی و محیطی537010755910.22059/jhgr.2026.407741.1008870FAسعیدهاسماعیلیگروه مدیریت و اقتصاد گردشگری، دانشکده گردشگری، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایران0000-0003-3282-9625فاطمهایریلوزادهگروه مدیریت و اقتصاد گردشگری، دانشکده گردشگری، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایران0009-0004-9090-9417سجادفردوسیگروه مدیریت و اقتصاد گردشگری، دانشکده گردشگری، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایران0000-0002-4866-1700Journal Article20260514ABSTRACT
Nowadays, nature-based tourism destinations are incredibly vulnerable to climatic and environmental changes due to their direct dependence on natural resources. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, ecosystem degradation, and instability of natural resources highlight the importance of sustainable management in these destinations. The research aims to identify the factors that influence the management of nature-based tourism destinations in the face of climatic and environmental changes and to offer a context-based pattern. The data, with a qualitative approach and purposeful sampling method, were collected through semi-structured interviews with 27 experts in the fields of physical geography, environment, meteorology, tourism, crisis management, and remote sensing. Initially, individuals were identified based on their academic expertise and work experience in relevant fields, and interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached. The thematic analysis method was used for data analysis. 60 basic themes were organized into 12 organizing themes, and ultimately, 4 global themes were discovered: destination management and organization, sustainable infrastructure and conservation, resource management and sustainable transportation, and monitoring and education. The findings indicate that the effective management of these destinations requires a multi-dimensional and participatory approach that relies on sustainability. Enhancing the climate resilience of nature-based destinations against climatic and environmental changes needs the integration of comprehensive management planning, ecosystem conservation, sustainable infrastructure development, resource management, local community participation, and technology utilization. Adopting an integrated approach reduces the climatic vulnerability, preserves natural assets, and leads to sustainable development in nature-based tourism destinations.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Nature-based tourism, as one of the most important sectors of the global tourism industry, includes activities that take place in natural landscapes, ecosystems, and open spaces. This branch of tourism not only seeks to achieve the goals of sustainable development but also involves environmental education, natural resource protection, and the experience of indigenous cultures within the natural context. Nevertheless, nature-based tourism destinations have become increasingly vulnerable to climatic and environmental changes due to their direct and deep dependence on natural resources.
Climatic change refers to long-term transformations in weather patterns, ecological systems, temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric processes, which are mainly caused by human activities such as greenhouse gas emissions, industrialization, deforestation, and pollution. These changes manifest as global warming, alterations in weather patterns, melting of ice caps, and rising sea levels, leaving severe impacts on natural systems, human health, and economic stability. Environmental change, which is closely related to climatic change, denotes to a wide range of ecosystem transformations that result from both human interventions and natural processes. These changes include biodiversity loss, habitat destruction, resource pollution, and soil erosion.
Natural sites that were once considered stable have now become highly vulnerable to unexpected climatic and environmental changes. These transformations not only alter the physical characteristics of tourism destinations but also disrupt tourists' perceptions, demand patterns, and the long-term sustainability of destinations. Threats such as recurring droughts, rising sea temperatures, coral bleaching, heightened forest fire risk, and vegetation cover loss reduce the visual and ecological appeal of destinations and impair ecosystem functioning. Such interconnected impacts reveal the necessity of developing adaptive strategies, including nature-based solutions.
Despite extensive international research in this field, a careful review of the existing literature reveals that most of these studies have focused on developed countries and globally recognized destinations such as Australia, Canada, and European countries. The existing literature in Iran is very limited, largely descriptive, and lacks operational and localized frameworks. Nature-based tourism destinations in Iran, due to their specific climatic characteristics (being located in an arid and semi-arid region), centralized management structure, and unique socio-economic challenges, face a particular type of vulnerability that has not been addressed in international research. Therefore, the present study aims to identify the factors affecting the management of nature-based tourism destinations in the face of climatic and environmental changes and to provide a localized and integrated model for managing these destinations in Iran. The main research question is: What factors influence the management of nature-based tourism destinations in the face of climatic and environmental changes?
Methodology
The study is qualitative in nature and aims to explain and provide a comprehensive model for managing nature-based tourism destinations in the face of climatic and environmental changes. In terms of approach, this study is exploratory and seeks to identify the factors affecting the management of these destinations from the perspective of experts and scholars. In terms of purpose, the research falls into the category of applied research.
The participants included 27 experts and specialists in the fields of physical geography, environment, meteorology, tourism, crisis management, nature-based tourism, remote sensing, watershed management, natural resources engineering, water engineering, and soil science and engineering. The reason for selecting this wide range of expertise is the interdisciplinary nature of the research problem and the need to cover different dimensions of managing nature-based destinations. Access to participants was achieved through purposive sampling and using the academic and professional networks of the researchers. Individuals were identified and invited to participate based on two main criteria: "scientific expertise in one of the relevant fields" and "practical work experience in managing or studying nature-based destinations." The interview process continued until theoretical saturation was reached; saturation was accomplished at the twenty-fourth interview, but to ensure greater certainty, three additional interviews were conducted, which added no new themes to the findings.
The semi-structured interview protocol was developed based on a review of the research literature and consultation with two experts in the fields of tourism and environment. The main interview questions covered the most imperative challenges facing nature-based tourism destinations, proposed management strategies, the role of local communities, the impact of new technologies, and the indicators of a resilient destination in the face of climatic change. The questions were designed as open-ended to allow participants to express diverse views and experiences. The interviews were conducted in person at the participants' workplaces, and each interview lasted an average of 50 to 60 minutes. All interviews were recorded with the participants' permission and then fully transcribed.
Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data, utilizing a three-level model of basic, organizing, and global themes. The analysis process consisted of six stages: familiarization with the data through repeated reading of the interview transcripts, generating initial codes from the transcripts, searching for basic themes by grouping similar initial codes, reviewing basic themes and merging them into conceptual clusters to form organizing themes, defining and naming organizing themes and combining them to achieve global themes, and finally producing the final report. The coding and analysis process was carried out by the researcher and then reviewed by two other researchers. Disagreements were resolved through discussion.
Lincoln and Guba's criteria including credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability were utilized to ensure the validity and reliability of the research. To ensure credibility, the member checking method was used. Transferability was ensured through the provision of comprehensive descriptions of the research setting, participant profiles, and the processes of data collection and analysis. To ensure dependability, all stages of the research were documented, and the re-coding method was used with an intra-subject agreement rate of over 85%. All raw documents, initial codes, and analytical notes were maintained to ensure confirmability.
Results and Discussion
The findings exhibited that during the thematic analysis process, after several stages of merging and comparing the initial codes, 60 basic themes were extracted. In the next stage, these 60 concepts were combined into similar conceptual clusters, creating 12 organizing themes, which ultimately formed 4 global themes. The four identified global themes are: destination management and organization, sustainable infrastructure and conservation, resource management and sustainable transportation, and monitoring and education.
The first global theme, "integrated destination management and organization," emphasizes the need for structured planning, continuous monitoring, and preparedness for hazards. This theme includes three organizing themes: "destination management and planning," "organizing tourism activities," and "crisis and climate risk management." At the basic theme level, several measures were identified such as determining the carrying capacity of each site and scheduling visits, preparing a comprehensive climate management plan for the destination, zoning the destination into protected-tourism zones, creating a digital reservation and entry control system, standardizing and licensing nature-based tours, designating permitted and prohibited tourism routes, designing climate hazard maps including floods, droughts, and landslides, equipping the destination with a rapid warning system, and reinforcing vulnerable points against natural disasters. This finding indicates that under conditions of climatic uncertainty, managing nature-based destinations is only possible by relying on control tools and proactive decision-making systems.
The second global theme, "development of sustainable infrastructure and ecological protection," forms the physical foundation for adaptation to environmental changes. This theme includes three organizing themes: "ecosystem protection," "water and soil resources restoration," and "sustainable infrastructure." The basic themes in this section include restoring native vegetation in erosion-prone areas, restricting access to sensitive habitats, fire management through firebreaks and warning systems, constructing small sediment retention dams to reduce erosion, the constant monitoring of water quality in the destination's natural resources, preventing illegal extraction from springs and aquifers, installing solar energy systems to supply energy for service centers, constructing low-consumption sanitary facilities equipped with wastewater treatment systems, and using low-carbon materials in the construction of tourism structures. These findings show that approaches based on ecosystem restoration and low-carbon infrastructure development, in addition to reducing climatic vulnerability, pave the way for the long-term and sustainable development of destinations.
The third global theme, "resource management and transportation within the framework of a green economy," addresses the operational and economic aspects of sustainable management. This theme comprises three organizing themes: "waste and pollution management," "green economy and resource management," and "sustainable transport and mobility." The basic themes in this section involve installing waste separation stations at key points in the destination, restricting the use of single-use plastics, managing wastewater with standard local treatment systems, creating financial incentives for local low-carbon businesses, implementing entry fees based on consumption and environmental impact, annually calculating the destination's carbon footprint, launching electric transport services for tourist mobility, creating peripheral parking lots and restricting private vehicles, and constructing safe and sustainable bicycle paths. These findings indicate that conservation efforts require modifying consumption patterns, managing waste, and organizing tourist mobility.
The fourth global theme, "technological monitoring and stakeholder empowerment through education and participation," provides the basis for implementing and sustaining strategies. This theme consists of three organizing themes: "technology and environmental monitoring," "local community participation," and "tourist education and awareness-raising." The basic themes in this section contain installing air and water quality monitoring sensors in sensitive areas, using drones to monitor environmental changes, employing Geographic Information Systems to monitor vegetation and erosion, creating a mobile application for public reporting of environmental violations, forming a joint tourism management committee with the participation of local people, educating local communities about conservation and responsible tourism, installing educational signs along nature trails, holding climate change awareness campaigns, and training local guides to convey conservation messages. These findings demonstrate that adopting modern environmental monitoring technologies and local community participation, along with targeted tourist education, leads to increased awareness, the formation of participatory governance, and destinations’ enhanced socio-ecological resilience.
The analysis of the findings within the triple theoretical framework of resilience, social capital, and institutional theory illustrates that successful management of nature-based tourism destinations requires an integrated approach. From the perspective of resilience theory, measures such as preparing a comprehensive climate management plan, designing hazard maps, and creating a rapid warning system increase the system's forecasting and response capacity. Through the lens of social capital theory, the success of conservation measures is highly dependent on the participation of local communities and networks of trust and cooperation. From the standpoint of institutional theory, creating financial incentives, implementing entry fees based on environmental impact, and restricting single-use plastics are examples of applying the three institutional pillars in destination management.
Conclusion
The study aimed to identify the factors affecting the management of nature-based tourism destinations in the face of climatic and environmental changes and to provide a localized and integrated model. The findings showed that the effective management of these destinations requires a multi-dimensional, participatory approach based on the principles of sustainability. The four identified global themes including destination management and organization, sustainable infrastructure and conservation, resource management and sustainable transportation, and monitoring and education provide a comprehensive framework for policy-making and practical action in this field.
This research is innovative and important in several respects. First, by drawing on the knowledge and lived experience of Iranian experts, it provides, for the first time, a localized and integrated framework for managing nature-based tourism destinations in the face of climatic and environmental changes in Iran. Second, by integrating three fundamental theories of resilience, social capital, and institutional theory, it offers a deep and systematic interpretation of the findings that can serve as a basis for future research. Third, the proposed framework can be used as an operational roadmap by policymakers, managers, and tourism planners in Iran.
The proposed framework indicates that soaring the resilience of nature-based tourism destinations against climatic and environmental changes requires the integration of five basic components: integrated and proactive management planning, the protection and restoration of natural ecosystems, the development of sustainable and low-carbon physical infrastructure, the optimal management of resources especially water, soil, and waste, the active participation of local communities and tourists, and the employment of modern technologies for monitoring and education.
Adopting such an integrated approach will lead to reduced the climatic vulnerability of destinations, the preservation of natural and ecological assets, the improvement of tourist experiences, the increased participation of local communities, and ultimately the sustainable development of nature-based tourism destinations in Iran. The study indicates that unlike previous research, which has mainly focused on developed countries, nature-based destinations in Iran, due to their specific climatic characteristics, centralized management structure, and unique socio-economic challenges, require local strategies tailored to local contexts. The model presented in this study can serve as a starting point for moving from theoretical and descriptive approaches to practical and operational actions in the management of these destinations.
Funding
This work is based upon research funded by Iran National Science Foundation (INSF) under project No.4047167.
Authors’ Contribution
In the writing of this article, Saeideh Esmaili was responsible for study design, data analysis, drafting the initial manuscript, and final editing; Fatemeh Irilouzadeh undertook data collection, literature review, and drafting the initial manuscript; and Sajad Ferdowsi performed data interpretation, critical revision of the content, and final editing.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declared no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.مقصدهای گردشگری طبیعت‌محور به دلیل وابستگی به منابع طبیعی، بیش از سایر انواع گردشگری در مواجهه با تغییرات اقلیمی و محیطی آسیب‌پذیر هستند. افزایش رخدادهای حاد جوی، تخریب اکوسیستم‌ها و ناپایداری منابع ضرورت توجه به مدیریت پایدار این مقصدها را برجسته می‌کند. هدف این پژوهش شناسایی عوامل مؤثر بر مدیریت مقصدهای گردشگری طبیعت‌محور در مواجهه با تغییرات اقلیمی و محیطی و ارائه الگویی بومی‌سازی شده است. پژوهش حاضر با رویکرد کیفی انجام شد و مشارکت‌کنندگان از طریق روش نمونه‌گیری هدفمند انتخاب شدند. داده‌ها از طریق مصاحبه نیمه ساختاریافته با 27 نفر از متخصصان حوزه‌های جغرافیای طبیعی، محیط‌زیست، آب‌وهواشناسی، گردشگری، مدیریت بحران، طبیعت‌گردی و سنجش‌ازدور جمع‌آوری شد. نخست، افراد بر اساس تخصص علمی و تجربه کاری در زمینه‌های مرتبط شناسایی شدند و مصاحبه تا رسیدن به نقطه اشباع نظری ادامه یافت. برای تحلیل داده‌ها از روش تحلیل مضمون استفاده شد. تحلیل داده‌ها منجر به استخراج 60 مضمون پایه در قالب 12 مضمون سازمان دهنده شد و نهایتاً 4 مضمون فراگیر شناسایی گردید: مدیریت و سازمان‌دهی مقصد، زیرساخت و حفاظت پایدار، مدیریت منابع و حمل‌ونقل پایدار، نظارت و آموزش. یافته‌ها نشان داد مدیریت مؤثر این مقصدها نیازمند رویکردی چندبعدی، مشارکتی و مبتنی بر اصول پایداری است. افزایش تاب‌آوری مقصدها در برابر تغییرات اقلیمی نیازمند تلفیق برنامه‌ریزی مدیریتی، حفاظت اکوسیستمی، توسعه زیرساخت‌های پایدار، مدیریت منابع، مشارکت جوامع محلی و بهره‌گیری از فناوری‌های نوین است. اتخاذ یک رویکرد یکپارچه منجر به کاهش آسیب‌پذیری اقلیمی، حفظ سرمایه‌های طبیعی و توسعه پایدار مقصدها می‌شود.https://jhgr.ut.ac.ir/article_107559_5992f19a326c7126765ca36b9f3df7c6.pdfدانشگاه تهرانپژوهشهای جغرافیای انسانی2008-629658320261004The Spatio-Temporal Nature of Social Relations of Domination and the Legitimacy of Spatial Planning: A Theoretical Encounterماهیت فضایی و پویایی مناسبات اجتماعی استیلا و مشروعیت برنامه ریزی فضایی: یک مواجهه نظری719110809110.22059/jhgr.2026.405957.1008858FAحجت الهرحیمیگروه جغرافیا، دانشگاه یزد، یزد، ایران0000-0002-8631-3862Journal Article20260514ABSTRACT
Domination is a pervasive social modality, always inscribed in space - so transforming these relations requires reshaping space. This article endeavors to articulate the spatio-temporal nature of domination relations through a selective synthesis of concepts drawn from the philosophies of Nietzsche, Deleuze, Lefebvre, Foucault, and Arendt. Simultaneously, it offers a framework for critically assessing the legitimacy of spatial planning within these power dynamics. The article was theoretical in character and adopted a selective-synthetic methodology. It draws upon concepts from the above-mentioned philosophies only to the extent that they serve the research aims. This article argues that the dynamics of the spatial relations of domination can be explained along two interrelated axes: the axis of material-discursive practices and the axis of spatio-temporal practices. Accordingly, eight types of dynamics and differentiation in the spatial relations of domination can be identified: 1) Reactive-endogenous-substantive differentiation; 2) Reactive-exogenous-substantive differentiation; 3) Active-endogenous-gradual differentiation; 4) Active-exogenous-gradual differentiation; 5) Active- endogenous-substantive differentiation; 6) Active-exogenous-substantive differentiation; 7) Reactive-endogenous-gradual differentiation; 8) Reactive-exogenous-gradual differentiation. Spatial planning possesses social legitimacy—and institutions associated with it can be supported and defended—only when it emphasizes its active dimension by transforming dominated spatial units into dominant ones and by expanding spaces of domination. The typology provides geographers as spatial planners with a framework to, on the one hand, trace the dynamics of spatial configurations in terms of socio-spatial relations of domination through a geographical genealogy, and on the other hand, normatively assess their own role in facilitating or impeding these changes and processes.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Domination stands as one of the most pervasive and consequential modalities of human social interaction. Social relations of domination invariably inscribe themselves upon spatial configurations; consequently, any meaningful transformation in these relations demands a corresponding reconfiguration of space itself. The article centers on the conceptual triad of domination, space, and spatial planning. The significance of addressing this conceptual triad stems from the fact that any will to socio-economic development can only prove effective and efficient if it succeeds in creating a space commensurate with such changes and becomes embodied within that space. A will that fails to embody itself spatially is, from the outset, a defeated will. Should the developmental will seek merely to alter symbolic, political, and material structures without accompanying these changes with a reconfiguration and reorganization of space, it is destined to fail. The spatio-social relations of domination can be conceptualized through either positive or negative modalities. The conventional mode of conceptualizing these relations is the negative one. A paradigmatic example of this approach is Marxist geography. Accordingly, dominant spaces (dominant territories, networks, or levels) refer to those that control the will and power of other spaces in alignment with their own will and power. In contrast, dominated spaces are those that have been detached from their own will and power by dominant spaces, such that their will and power are controlled by the latter. In this interpretation, domination is inherently exercised over other spaces. Following Deleuzian terms, they constitute molar spaces grounded in hierarchical relations. On the other hand, social relations of domination among geographical spaces can also be conceptualized through a positive modality. This way of conceptualization is the theoretical foundation of the article. In this approach—which is emphasized by both Nietzsche and Deleuze—a dominant space is one that actualizes what it wills. Affirmative dominated spaces are molecular spaces. They develop on the lines of flight and rhizomatic relations. Furthermore, a dominated space is one that has become detached from its own power, or one that controls the will and power of other geographical spaces in alignment with its own will and power. According to this affirmative approach to the spatio-social relations of domination, a dominant space is not a space that exercises domination over other spaces by controlling and subordinating their will and power to its own. Rather, it is a space capable of actualizing what it itself wills, without restricting the will of other geographical spaces.
Drawing on the interrelationships among domination, space, and spatial planning, this study is structured to formulate a theoretical response to the following three questions: (1) What is the spatial nature of domination as one of the foremost forms of social interaction? (2) What are the temporal dynamics and processes inherent in the spatial relations of domination, and how can these dynamics be explained? (3) Is spatial planning capable of effecting change in the social relations of domination, and under what conditions does its participation in these relations possess social legitimacy? This study distinguishes itself from other approaches—such as Marxism or the social Darwinism—that have also addressed socio-spatial relations of domination. On the one hand, unlike social Darwinism, it does not confine itself merely to the analysis and explanation of relations of domination; rather, it offers a normative standard for evaluating these relations. On the other hand, in opposition to Marxism's negative stance on relations of domination, this article advances an affirmative, positive perspective grounded in the philosophies of Nietzsche and Deleuze. While Marxist approaches adopt a negative stance toward relations of domination and seek to eliminate dominant spaces in favor of dominated ones, the article, while defending dominant spaces, argues that instead of a negative approach toward dominant spaces, dominated spaces should be transformed into dominant ones. Moreover, unlike the Marxist approach, which analyzes and evaluates the concept of domination primarily in relation to class relations (the capitalist class and the working class), the concept of domination in this article is not limited to class relations. Adopting a more comprehensive perspective, it refers to the spatial relations among the social forces of the state, the market, and the society. The approach developed enables spatial planners, on the one hand, to trace the dynamics and transformations of spatial configurations through the lens of socio-spatial domination relations, and on the other hand, to normatively assess their own position in either facilitating or impeding these changes and processes.
Methodology
The article endeavors to provide theoretical responses to the above-mentioned questions within the philosophical frameworks of Nietzsche, the German philosopher, and Deleuze, the French philosopher. However, it did not confine itself exclusively to the perspectives of Nietzsche and Deleuze. Instead, it adopted a synthetic approach that also draws upon the insights of other thinkers, including Foucault, Lefebvre, and Arendt. The article does not endorse all the philosophical positions and principles of these thinkers. Given conceptual divergences among these thinkers, the analysis appropriates their concepts judiciously—only insofar as they illuminate the questions at hand. Accordingly, the article adopted a selective-synthetic position in its engagement with the aforementioned thinkers.
Results and Discussion
Space should be regarded as an assemblage or a body in which heterogeneous human (social and economic) and non-human phenomena or forces are distributed and connected within geographical territories, networks, and levels. According to their position within this body and the connections among them, these forces produce specific spatial configurations. The territories, networks, and levels configured within a spatial assemblage or body possess complex spatial relations of domination based on the quality and quantity of power relations. These relations are composed of both molar (hierarchical) and molecular (rhizomatic and smooth) relations. This study argues that the dynamics of the spatial relations of domination can be explained along two interrelated axes: the axis of material-discursive practices and the axis of spatio-temporal practices. These two axes are deeply intertwined and exert synergistic effects on one another. Based on the processes of differentiation occurring along these axes, eight types of dynamics and differentiation in the spatial relations of domination can be identified. Four types pertain to the dynamics of dominant spaces, while the other four types concern the dynamics of dominated spaces. This typology highlights both qualitative and quantitative distinctions within power relations and the spatial dynamics of domination. However, the qualitative dynamics of forces hold greater significance since what transforms a spatial unit into a dominant space or a dominated space is not the quantity of its force, but the quality of that force: 1) A dominant space that was initially dominant and, over time, becomes detached from its own power through its own will and transforms into a dominated space - reactive-endogenous-substantial differentiation; 2) A dominant spatial unit that was initially dominant and, over time—through processes of deterritorialization and under the will of another dominated spatial unit—transforms into a dominated spatial unit, thereby generating a new assemblage of phenomena within a spatial configuration - reactive-exogenous-substantial differentiation; 3) A dominant spatial unit that, over time and according to its own will, expands or contracts its degree of dominance - active-endogenous-gradational differentiation; 4) A dominant spatial unit that, over time and under the will of another dominated spatial unit, expands or contracts its degree of dominance - active-exogenous-gradational differentiation; 5) A dominated spatial unit that was initially subjugated and, over time and through its own will, transforms into a dominant spatial unit - active–endogenous–substantial differentiation; 6) A dominated spatial unit that was initially subjugated and, over time and through the will of another dominant spatial unit, transforms into a dominant spatial unit - active-exogenous-substantial differentiation; 7) A dominated spatial unit that, over time and according to its own will, expands or contracts its degree of subjugation - reactive-endogenous-gradational differentiation; 8) A dominated spatial unit that, over time and under the will of another dominated spatial unit, expands or contracts its degree of subjugation - reactive-exogenous-gradational differentiation. This typology incorporates a multifaceted array of geographical processes, including differentiation, deterritorialization, reterritorialization, coding, and decoding, that shape the socio-spatial relations of domination. The task of geographical genealogy is to trace the various types enumerated above and to explain the new spatial configurations that have been constituted on the basis of the material-discursive axis and the spatio-temporal axis. Geographical genealogy serves as a methodological framework for analyzing processes of differentiation in the socio-spatial relations of domination. It rests upon the fundamental idea that the dynamics of socio-spatial relations of domination display a random, non-linear, and chaotic process.
Spatial planning, as defined in this article, refers to a normative collective-rational-political action that is oriented toward the graphing and re-graphing of spatial patterns and processes of domination through the production and actualization of spatial maps and plans across different geographical scales and temporal horizons. Geographical maps are not merely expressions—in Deleuze’s terminology—of a spatial body; rather, they organize that body. In other words, geographical maps do not simply represent the spatial actualization or assemblage of social forces; they actively influence the quality of the spatial actualization and composition of phenomena and forces. Beyond expressing the spatial actualization of social forces, they determine the range of action and reaction available to those forces.
Spatial planning, according this definition, possesses social legitimacy only when it emphasizes its active dimension by transforming dominated spatial units into dominant ones and by expanding spaces of domination. Conversely, spatial planning can become passive and reactive, turning into a static and uncreative process through the conversion of dominant spatial units into dominated ones, thereby losing its legitimacy by proliferating subjugation spaces. The capacity of spatial planning to convert dominated spaces into active, creative dominant spaces and to reproduce spaces of domination serves as the primary measure for evaluating the success of spatial programs. In other words, the contribution of spatial planning to the emergence of active and creative forces and the production of plural spaces is the hallmark of its social legitimacy. An empowered spatial body is one whose elements are assembled according to the logic of creativity, difference, and multiplicity. Spatial planning that adheres to this criterion possesses social legitimacy to intervene in the socio-spatial relations of domination. The instruments of spatial planning for achieving the above criterion should be pursued along the two axes previously identified: The axis of material-discursive practices, which focuses on the decoding of stabilized codes that serve molar spaces and the creative recoding of these practices; and the axis of spatio-temporal practices, which centers on processes of geographical deterritorialization, reterritorialization, the delineation of lines and networks of flight, and the analysis of rhythms.
Conclusion
This study, drawing upon a positive approach to the domination, has sought to elucidate the spatio-temporal nature of social relations of domination and to provide an initial framework and typology for understanding the processes of differentiation within these relations. By establishing a distinction between the negative and positive approaches to the understanding of relations of domination, the article has offered a criterion for evaluating the success or failure of spatial planning. It argues that spatial planning possesses social legitimacy only when it highlights its active dimension—by transforming dominated spaces (molar spaces) into dominant spaces (molecular spaces) and by expanding dominant spaces—thereby promoting creativity, differentiation, and multiplicity. The legitimacy of spatial planning derives from the extent to which it contributes to the creation of diverse geographical units and the preservation of processes of differentiation. Emphasis on differentiation and multiplicity, however, does not imply separation, abstraction, or fragmentation of spatial units from one another. Rather, it refers to the assemblage of diverse and multiple spatial units into dynamic and empowered spatial bodies. The typology of the dynamics and differentiation of the spatial relations of domination, as presented in this article, provides geographers as spatial planners with a framework to, on the one hand, trace the dynamics of spatial configurations in terms of socio-spatial relations of domination through a genealogical approach to space, and on the other hand, normatively assess their own role in facilitating or impeding these changes and processes.
Funding
There is no funding support.
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved the content of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper. The author acknowledges the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools for translating the manuscript from Persian to English and for editing and improving the English language of the article.استیلا از مهم‌ترین فرم‌های تعامل اجتماعی انسان محسوب می‌شود. مناسبات اجتماعی استیلا همواره از طریق پیکربندی‌های فضایی ظهور می‌یابند و هرگونه تغییر در این مناسبات مستلزم بازپیکربندی فضا است. نوشتار حاضر می کوشد بر اساس مفاهیمی که از فلسفه‌های نیچه، دلوز، لوفور، فوکو و آرنت اقتباس می‌شود، ماهیت فضایی-زمانی مناسبات استیلا را تبیین و یک معیار هنجارین برای تعیین موقعیت جغرافیدانان و ارزیابی مشروعیت برنامه‌ریزی فضایی در این مناسبات ارائه نماید. این نوشتار دارای ماهیت نظری است و با اتخاذ یک رویکرد ترکیبی-گزینشی، مفاهیم فلسفه‌هایی را که به آن‌ها اشاره شد، تا جایی به کار می‌گیرد که برای دستیابی به پرسش ها و اهداف پژوهش مفید هستند. نوشتار حاضر استدلال می کند که دینامیک و پویایی مناسبات فضایی استیلا براساس دو محور زیر قابل تبیین است: محور پراکتیس‌های مادی-گفتمانی و محور پراکتیس‌های فضایی-زمانی. این دو محور با یکدیگر درهم‌تنیده‌اند و دارای اثر هم‌افزایی بر یکدیگر هستند. براساس مناسبات و فرایندهای تفاوت‌یابی که در دو محور فوق رخ می دهد، هشت سنخ پویایی و تفاوت‌یابی مناسبات فضایی استیلا قابل تشخیص است: 1) تفاوت‌یابی واکنشی-خودانگیخته-ماهوی، 2) تفاوت‌یابی واکنشی-دگرانگیخته-ماهوی، 3) تفاوت‌یابی کنشی-خودانگیخته-درجه‌ای، 4) تفاوت‌یابی کنشی-دگرانگیخته-درجه‌ای، 5) تفاوت‌یابی کنشی-خودانگیخته-ماهوی، 6) تفاوت‌یابی کنشی-دگرانگیخته-ماهوی، 7) تفاوت‌یابی واکنشی-خودانگیخته-درجه‌ای، 8) تفاوت‌یابی واکنشی-دگرانگیخته-درجه‌ای. براساس این تیپولوژی، مشروعیت برنامه‌ریزی فضایی ناشی از میزان مشارکت و مساعدت آن در تسهیل فرایندهای تفاوت‌یابی کنش‌گرایانه و خلاق فضایی است. تیپولوژی پویایی و تفاوت‌یابی مناسبات فضایی استیلا این امکان را برای جغرافیدانان فراهم می‌آورد که بتوانند پویایی مناسبات اجتماعی-فضایی استیلا را تبیین کنند و موقعیت خود را به‌مثابه برنامه‌ریزان فضا به نحو هنجاری ارزیابی نمایند.https://jhgr.ut.ac.ir/article_108091_aa5bf0518eb92c5994c743935ac9b95a.pdfدانشگاه تهرانپژوهشهای جغرافیای انسانی2008-629658320261004Evaluation and Prioritization of Key Factors on Increasing Iran's Defense Powerارزیابی و اولویت‌بندی عوامل کلیدی تأثیرگذار بر ارتقاء قدرت دفاعی ایران931099626410.22059/jhgr.2024.368451.1008650FAافشینمتقیگروه جغرافیای سیاسی، دانشکده علوم جغرافیایی، دانشگاه خوارزمی، تهران، ایران0000-0002-4406-3236سجادنجفیگروه جغرافیای سیاسی، دانشکده علوم جغرافیایی، دانشگاه خوارزمی، تهران، ایران0000-0003-3594-3167Journal Article20260514ABSTRACT
Iran's geopolitical position in the region has led to providing a special place for Iran in regional and international relations; on the other hand, it has led to threats and even military attacks on Iran at different times. Therefore, it is inevitable for Iran to have a complete military readiness to confront and defend against the threats raised. In this regard, strengthening the military power and identifying the important and key factors affecting the improvement of Iran's defense power as a basic and essential principle in the country's foreign policy and creating deterrence is proposed, which should be given the attention of politicians and military commanders. In this connection, the following article frames the theory of deterrent peace as the basic theory of research in order to evaluate and prioritize the key factors influencing the improvement of Iran's defense power with a forward-looking view by studying the previous scientific documents and records, the number of 27 key factors in the form of six dimensions, military, geographical, economic, political, social and scientific, were identified and specified. In the following, using the IPA importance-performance analysis method and using the opinion of 40 experts, the importance value and the performance value of each factor were determined separately based on the five-point Likert scale, and according to the obtained results and the weighting of the factors, The number of five priority factors with high importance and performance and five factors with high importance and low performance were identified as important and key factors affecting Iran's defense power.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Iran's geopolitical position in the region has led to providing a special place for Iran in regional and international relations; on the other hand, it has led to threats and even military attacks on Iran at different times. Therefore, it is inevitable for Iran to have a complete military readiness to confront and defend against the threats raised. In this regard, strengthening the military power and identifying the important and key factors affecting the improvement of Iran's defense power as a basic and essential principle in the country's foreign policy and creating deterrence is proposed, which should be given the attention of politicians and military commanders. In this connection, the following article frames the theory of deterrent peace as the basic theory of research in order to evaluate and prioritize the key factors influencing the improvement of Iran's defense power with a forward-looking view by studying the previous scientific documents and records, the number of 27 key factors in the form of six dimensions, military, geographical, economic, political, social and scientific, were identified and specified. In the following, using the IPA importance-performance analysis method and using the opinion of 40 experts, the importance value and the performance value of each factor were determined separately based on the five-point Likert scale, and according to the obtained results and the weighting of the factors, The number of five priority factors with high importance and performance and five factors with high importance and low performance were identified as important and key factors affecting Iran's defense power.
Methodology
This research is of an applied-developmental type in terms of goal and result. In terms of the method, it is a combination of descriptive-analytical methods and the use of survey methods (interviews with experts and questionnaires), and the means of gathering information is using related documents and resources (books, articles, internet), interviews, and questionnaires. The statistical population includes experts with a scientific background related to military-defense issues (including high-ranking military commanders and managers with a strategic position and researchers working in the scientific and research centers of the armed forces and professors of the geography faculty of Tehran and Kharazmi universities), whose number 40 people were estimated. The purposeful sampling method was used to select experts and determine the sample size. The research process is, first, to determine the general and key factors affecting Iran's defense power by examining previous scientific records. Twenty-seven factors were selected in six dimensions as military, economic, geographical, social, political, and scientific. In the second step, using the IPA performance-importance analysis model and the opinion of experts, the factors were evaluated and weighted, and the priority and important factors affecting the future of Iran's defense power were identified.
Results and discussion
The following five factors were identified as important and influential factors on Iran's defense power according to their location in the situation matrix, which are of high relative importance and due to the lack of proper planning by the officials and decision-makers in the defense-security field, the desired performance; they are unacceptable. Therefore, the optimal and suitable strategy is effort and planning to achieve suitable and acceptable performance for these five factors.
1) Paying attention to the living conditions and the standard of living of the families of military personnel and the level of morale of the military forces;
2) The level of constructive and intelligent interaction with the world economy and the ability to attract capital and international credits and the level of foreign investment in Iran's basic infrastructure and domestic industries;
3) The country's geopolitical weight and the country's strategic and geopolitical position;
4) The rate of scientific growth and progress in the fields of nanotechnology, biotechnology, genetics, molecular biology and life sciences;
5) The number of study institutes and military-defense research and research institutes and the amount of use of modern defense technology and knowledge by the military forces.
Conclusion
Based on the theoretical framework of the research and according to the theory of deterrent peace, the country's approach and strategy in the field of defense in the first stage should prioritize the principle of adherence to peace and create a suitable environment and platform inside and outside the country to establish friendly relations and interaction. Moreover, cooperation with neighbors and other countries in the region and the world is necessary to avoid violence and military conflict while considering the anarchic situation ruling the international system. Also, according to God's orders and historical experiences and perceived military threats against the country, within the framework of legal cases, to strengthen and grow the components to be effective in enhancing the defense-military power in order to maintain and stabilize the national authority and ensure the national interests of the country. So that in the event of a conflict and a military attack in the future, the least damage and material and human losses will be caused to the country and national interests.
Funding
There is no funding support.
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.موقعیت ژئوپلیتیک ایران در منطقه، اگر چه منجر به فراهم نمودن جایگاه ویژه برای ایران در مناسبات منطقه‌ای و بین‌المللی گردیده است، منتها از سوی دیگر خود منجر به ایجاد تهدید و حتی حمله نظامی به کشور ایران در مقاطع زمانی مختلف گردیده، بنابراین لزوم داشتن آمادگی کامل نظامی برای مقابله و دفاع در برابر تهدیدهای مطرح را برای ایران اجتناب‌ناپذیر نموده است. در همین راستا تقویت توان نظامی و شناسایی عوامل مهم و کلیدی تأثیرگذار بر ارتقاء قدرت دفاعی ایران به‌عنوان اصلی اساسی و مهم در سیاست خارجی کشور و ایجاد بازدارندگی مطرح می‌باشد که می‌بایست موردتوجه سیاست‌مداران و فرماندهان نظامی قرار گیرد. به همین منظور در مقاله پیش‌رو با چارچوب قرار دادن نظریه صلح بازدارنده به‌عنوان نظریه پایه تحقیق و به‌منظور ارزیابی و اولویت‌بندی عوامل کلیدی تأثیرگذار بر ارتقاء قدرت دفاعی ایران با دید و نگاه آینده‌پژوهانه، با مطالعه تحقیقات و سوابق علمی صورت پذیرفته مرتبط در قبل، تعداد بیست‌وهفت عامل کلیدی در شش بعد نظامی، جغرافیایی، اقتصادی، سیاسی، اجتماعی و علمی، شناسایی و مشخص گردید. در ادامه با استفاده از روش تحلیل اهمیت-عملکرد IPA و استفاده از نظر 40 نفر از خبرگان، ارزش اهمیت و ارزش عملکرد هر عامل به‌صورت جداگانه بر مبنای طیف لیکرت پنج‌تایی تعیین و طبق نتایج به‌دست‌آمده و وزن‌دهی عوامل، تعداد پنج عامل دارای اولویت که اهمیت و عملکرد بالایی دارند و پنج عامل دارای اهمیت بالا و عملکرد پایین به‌عنوان عوامل مهم و کلیدی تأثیرگذار بر قدرت دفاعی ایران مشخص گردید.https://jhgr.ut.ac.ir/article_96264_b33b7360bdfd40b5d3194c66a3960ede.pdfدانشگاه تهرانپژوهشهای جغرافیای انسانی2008-629658320260923Assessing Urban Neighborhoods through Health-Oriented Elements: A case study of Neighbourhoods of Modares Innovation Districtارزیابی محلات شهری بر اساس مؤلفه‌های سلامت‌محوری مطالعه موردی: محلات ناحیه نوآوری مدرس11113010807210.22059/jhgr.2026.391646.1008799FAمجتبیرفیعیانگروه شهرسازی، دانشکده هنر و معماری، دانشگاه تربیت مدرس، تهران، ایران0000-0001-7371-7617سحراسدیگروه شهرسازی، دانشکده هنر و معماری، دانشگاه تربیت مدرس، تهران، ایران0009-0001-3828-1552Journal Article20260515ABSTRACTCities and urbanization processes are pivotal determinants of citizens' health and quality of life. Within the “Healthy City” literature, health is not merely confined to access to medical services; rather, it encompasses the quality of the physical environment, environmental resilience, safety, social justice, and the quality of local services. Accordingly, this study aims to evaluate the neighborhoods within the Modares Innovation District based on health-oriented components and to identify intervention priorities to enhance citizens’ health and well-being. This research is applied in purpose and descriptive-analytical in nature. The statistical population consisted of 381 residents, and data were collected via a questionnaire. The conceptual framework is structured across four dimensions: environmental health and resilience, physical-functional aspects, accessibility and transportation, and socio-economic factors. Data analysis was conducted using an independent t-test to compare the health status of the neighborhoods, Pearson correlation to examine relationships among variables, and mean-based analysis to rank components and extract intervention priorities. Descriptive statistics indicate that the overall status of health-oriented components in the study area is relatively favorable. Results from the independent t-test reveal that the Fatemi neighborhood aligns more closely with “Healthy Neighborhood” indicators compared to the Jamalzadeh neighborhood. Furthermore, the Pearson correlation confirms a significant positive relationship between all independent variables and urban health. Finally, accessibility, service infrastructure, and environmental hygiene were identified as relative strengths, while safety, green and open spaces, social participation, and social justice were recognized as areas requiring targeted interventions. Consequently, strategies are proposed to promote citizens’ health and well-being.Extended AbstractIntroductionRapid urbanization has exposed developing societies to a multifaceted array of economic, social, environmental, and public health challenges. According to the United Nations World Urbanization Prospects report, %55 of the global population resided in urban areas in 2018, and this proportion is projected to reach %68 by 2050—equivalent to more than two-thirds of humanity. Cities, as the primary hubs of economic, cultural, and social activity, play a decisive role in shaping human life and health. Nevertheless, intensive development, high population densities, and rapid physical transformations have generated novel and extensive threats to both the physical and mental well-being of urban citizens. Numerous studies have demonstrated that increased building density without adequate provision of open and green spaces is associated with higher rates of mental disorders, reduced physical activity, and increased prevalence of chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Particularly in developing megacities, issues such as air pollution, lack of safety in public spaces, and insufficient walking and cycling infrastructure endanger the everyday health of citizens.Despite the undeniable significance of health within urban contexts, a fundamental issue persists: in the course of urban development—particularly in emerging economic poles and rapidly growing districts—physical and profit-driven considerations have consistently taken precedence over health and social welfare. Consequently, our urban environments have often been shaped according to principles that not only fail to encourage physical activity and social interaction but may themselves become active threats to public health. For instance, the unchecked proliferation of commercial and office land uses in urban cores, unaccompanied by quality pause spaces and residential environments, has led to increased mental fatigue, reduced sense of place attachment, and the fragmentation of neighbourhood-level social networks. In effect, urban developments that neglect health-oriented considerations have led to diminished quality of life and escalated healthcare and social costs. The expenditures associated with diseases linked to sedentary lifestyles and air pollution consume a significant portion of national health budgets annually, underscoring the urgent need to rethink prevailing urban development paradigms.In response to these challenges, various approaches have been adopted within urban planning. Classical strategies predominantly focused on expanding medical infrastructure and locating healthcare facilities, while modern urbanism tended to address public transport improvement or green space development in isolation. However, most of these approaches—due to their one-dimensional, sectoral, and predominantly treatment-oriented perspectives—have proven incapable of resolving the fundamental health issues of cities at the neighbourhood scale. The absence of an integrated vision, one that conceptualises health not merely as the absence of disease but as complete physical, mental, and social well-being at the micro-scale of the neighbourhood, has rendered many such development schemes ineffective. Earlier approaches often conflated "health" with "treatment"; however, urban health depends far less on the number of hospital beds than on the quality of breathing air, the feasibility of daily walking, street safety, and the availability of green spaces within walking distance.In the face of ongoing urban transformations, concepts such as the "healthy city," "healthy place," and "healthy neighbourhood" have attained a pivotal position within urban planning scholarship. These approaches emphasise that health is not derived solely from medical care but is deeply embedded in the quality of neighbourhood environments where individuals live, work, commute, and engage in leisure activities. The World Health Organization defines a healthy city as one that continuously creates and improves its physical and social environments while expanding community resources to enable mutual support among people in performing all life functions. Urban planning, by virtue of its inherently spatial nature, maintains a close nexus with public health through mechanisms including spatial organisation, land-use decision-making, transportation system development, public space design, and environmental quality enhancement. Accordingly, understanding the health status of neighbourhoods and identifying effective strategies for promoting public welfare have become fundamental components of urban planning and design.The present study undertakes an evaluation of neighbourhoods situated within the Modares Innovation District, with a specific focus on health-oriented indicators. Located in District 6 of Tehran Municipality, this district encompasses the densely populated and high-traffic neighbourhoods of Fatemi and Jamalzadeh. The district is recognised as one of the areas with a primary level of development, having exhibited considerable growth in indicators such as economic activity, employment, and access to information. Moreover, it possesses a concentration of healthcare facilities, mixed-use developments, cultural-artistic corridors, and knowledge-based institutions, thereby holding latent potential to evolve into a health-oriented urban district. However, in such contexts—where the primary emphasis is on economic development and innovation ecosystems—there exists a significant risk of neglecting the physical and psychological quality of life, work-induced fatigue, and the reduction of health-related welfare per capita. Additionally, these areas display entirely distinct spatial, economic, and demographic dynamics, wherein economic development often overshadows everyday quality of life. The present research addresses this gap by localising and empirically testing a health-oriented neighbourhood assessment framework within the context of an innovation district. The primary objective is to demonstrate how rapid urban growth can be reconciled with development strategies grounded in the enhancement of citizens' health.MethodologyThe study adopts a descriptive-analytical research design and is applied in terms of its objective. Data were collected through library research, a comprehensive review of contemporary international literature on healthy neighborhoods, field observations, and a questionnaire-based survey. A simple random sampling method was employed, and the questionnaire items were developed based on the four principal dimensions of the conceptual framework. The study area comprises the Fatemi and Jamalzadeh neighborhoods within the Modares Innovation District, situated in District 6 of Tehran Municipality. The sample size, determined utilizing Cochran's formula, comprised 381 respondents, who were proportionally distributed according to the population of each neighborhood. Subsequently, the collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. Independent samples t-tests were conducted to compare the health status of the two neighborhoods, Pearson correlation coefficients computed to examine inter-variable relationships, and mean-based analyses employed for component ranking. Results and DiscussionCities and living environments have always been at the forefront of confronting health challenges, including population density, environmental pollution, and the spread of diseases. In this context, attention to health-oriented indicators at the neighbourhood scale—as one of the key levels of urban planning—has gained increasing importance, since many of the determinants of citizens' health—including air quality, walking opportunities, traffic safety, and daily social interactions—are shaped precisely at this scale. This understanding aligns with the contemporary literature on healthy neighbourhoods, particularly with the Healthy Neighbourhoods Core Framework, which conceptualises the neighbourhood as a multidimensional system encompassing access, interaction, active mobility, green space, inclusivity, and built environment quality.The assessment of health-orientation status in the neighborhoods of the Modares Innovation District was conducted based on four principal dimensions: (1) environmental health and resilience, (2) physical-functional characteristics, (3) accessibility and transportation, and (4) socio-economic attributes. Statistical analyses indicate that, overall, the neighborhoods of the Modares Innovation District exhibit relatively favorable conditions with respect to health-oriented urban components. However, the comparative analysis of Fatemi and Jamalzadeh neighborhoods reveals that land-use distribution, urban fabric quality, and functional pressure intensity play a significant role in shaping residents' health perceptions. The relatively superior condition of Fatemi neighborhood can be attributed to its greater physical coherence, public spaces’ higher quality, and more adequate access to the street network. Conversely, the presence of deteriorated urban fabric, high activity density, and traffic congestion in certain sections of the Jamalzadeh neighborhood has contributed to diminished urban environmental quality and, consequently, a lower level of perceived environmental health among residents. Overall, the findings suggest that although innovation district development can enhance urban infrastructure and improve service accessibility, the absence of health-oriented planning principles and spatial equity considerations may culminate in intra-neighborhood spatial inequalities. Therefore, integrating salutogenic urban design approaches with innovation district development policies can play a crucial role in promoting the quality of life and urban health.ConclusionThis research was undertaken with the aim of evaluating health-oriented components within the neighbourhoods of an innovation district. The results indicate that the overall status of health-oriented indicators within the survey area is relatively satisfactory; nevertheless, this condition does not signify the absence of challenges, but rather reflects the simultaneous coexistence of infrastructural and service capacities with deficiencies in safety, green space provision, social participation, and active neighbourhood-level mobility. In other words, alongside adequate hospitals and service centres, the lack of neighbourhood parks, the absence of safe cycling routes, and deficiencies in pedestrian networks remain as the primary obstacles to achieving a healthy neighbourhood.The comparison between the two neighbourhoods revealed that Fatemi consistently outperforms Jamalzadeh across most indicators, a disparity that can be attributed to differentials in urban fabric quality, land-use distribution, green space accessibility, and activity intensity between the two areas. Jamalzadeh requires targeted improvements in safety, green/open spaces, social participation, and active mobility to enhance the overall health, well-being, and quality of life for its residents.From a theoretical perspective, the research findings corroborate that innovation district development does not necessarily translate into concurrent and balanced enhancement of urban health indicators for residents. The concentration of trip-generating land uses within these districts, while fostering economic and scientific opportunities, may concurrently engender adverse consequences including increased traffic congestion, strain on urban infrastructure, environmental quality deterioration, and the erosion of social bonds at the neighbourhood level. This phenomenon, referred to in the literature as the "urban health penalty," manifests unevenly across the two neighbourhoods within the Modares Innovation District.Consequently, the integration of health-oriented planning approaches with innovation district development policies is imperative—an approach wherein the quality of the physical environment, urban safety, equitable accessibility, sustainable transportation, social participation, and environmental resilience are considered as core elements of urban health. This integration requires multi-sectoral collaboration among the municipality, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, and local institutions. Furthermore, health impact assessments (HIA) should be mandated for all major development projects within innovation districts, with findings made publicly accessible to ensure transparency, accountability, and spatial justice.Key policy recommendations derived from this study are as follows:1. Prioritising citizens' health within comprehensive urban development plans: Health should be embedded as a primary objective in all strategic planning documents, with specific targets, dedicated budgets, and regular monitoring systems.2. Air pollution mitigation through the promotion of public transportation and cycling infrastructure: This includes expanding the bus rapid transit (BRT) network, installing protected bicycle lanes, and implementing congestion pricing for single-occupancy vehicles during peak hours.3. Enhancing pedestrian pathway quality with due consideration to the needs of elderly and disabled populations: Sidewalks should be widened, levelled, and maintained regularly; ramps, tactile paving, and resting benches should be installed at appropriate intervals.4. Installing appropriate urban furniture to encourage social presence and interaction: Benches, shade structures, drinking fountains, and small playgrounds should be strategically placed in high-traffic areas to invite stopping and social engagement.5. Expanding local green and open spaces, particularly in the Jamalzadeh neighbourhood: Vacant and derelict lands should be converted into pocket parks, community gardens, or multifunctional plazas, with priority given to areas identified as green deserts.6. Establishing community health hubs with resident participation: These hubs should offer screening services, psychological counselling, community sports programmes, and nutritional education within existing neighbourhood spaces.7. Developing a participatory health monitoring system: Residents should be actively involved in tracking health indicators through citizen applications, periodic surveys, and local working groups, ensuring that policies remain responsive to evolving community needs.8. Promoting health literacy and resident empowerment through neighbourhood-based educational programmes: Regular workshops on nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and environmental awareness should be organised to equip residents with the knowledge and skills needed for proactive health management and community participation.Future research directions include longitudinal studies to track changes in health indicators over time as innovation district development proceeds, comparative studies across multiple innovation districts in different Iranian cities, and qualitative investigations to explore residents' lived experiences and coping strategies in the face of urban transformation. Ultimately, this research underscores that a genuinely successful innovation district is measured not solely by its economic and scientific outputs but by its capacity to enhance the health and well-being of all its residents. FundingThere is no funding support. Authors’ ContributionAuthors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved the content of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none. Conflict of InterestAuthors declared no conflict of interest. AcknowledgmentsWe are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.شهرها و فرایندهای شهرنشینی پیونددهنده میان سلامت و کیفیت زندگی شهروندان می‌باشند. در ادبیات شهر سالم، سلامت صرفاً به دسترسی به خدمات درمانی محدود نمی‌شود، بلکه کیفیت محیط کالبدی، تاب‌آوری زیست‌محیطی، ایمنی، عدالت اجتماعی و کیفیت خدمات محلی را نیز در برمی‌گیرد. بر این اساس، پژوهش حاضر با هدف ارزیابی محلات ناحیه نوآوری مدرس بر پایه مؤلفه‌های سلامت‌محوری و شناسایی اولویت‌های مداخله برای ارتقای سلامت شهروندان انجام‌شده است. این مطالعه از نظر هدف کاربردی و از نظر ماهیت توصیفی ـ تحلیلی است. جامعه آماری شامل ۳۸۱ نفر از ساکنان این ناحیه بوده و داده‌ها از طریق پرسشنامه گردآوری‌شده است. چارچوب مفهومی پژوهش در چهار بعد سلامت و تاب‌آوری محیطی، کالبدی ـ عملکردی، دسترسی و حمل‌ونقل، و اجتماعی ـ اقتصادی تنظیم شد. برای تحلیل داده‌ها از آزمون تی مستقل جهت مقایسه وضعیت سلامت محلات، از همبستگی پیرسون برای سنجش رابطه میان متغیرها، و از تحلیل‌های مبتنی بر میانگین برای رتبه‌بندی مؤلفه‌ها و استخراج اولویت‌های مداخله استفاده شد. نتایج آمار توصیفی نشان داد که وضعیت مؤلفه‌های سلامت‌محوری در محدوده مطالعه نسبتاً مطلوب است. آزمون تی مستقل نشان داد محله فاطمی نسبت به محله جمال‌زاده انطباق بیشتری با شاخص‌های محله سلامت‌محور دارد. همچنین، همبستگی پیرسون وجود رابطه معنادار بین همه متغیرهای مستقل و سلامت را تأیید کرد. در نهایت، دسترسی‌پذیری، خدمات و زیرساخت‌ها و بهداشت محیطی از نقاط قوت نسبی و ایمنی، فضای سبز و باز، مشارکت و عدالت اجتماعی از حوزه‌های نیازمند مداخله هدفمند تشخیص داده شدند. بر این اساس، راهکارهایی در زمینه ارتقا سلامت و رفاه شهروندان ارائه‌شده است.https://jhgr.ut.ac.ir/article_108072_ab9e80519195ce8eb88058e57191ccf5.pdfدانشگاه تهرانپژوهشهای جغرافیای انسانی2008-629658320261003Analysis of Functional and Non-Functional Conflict Consequences among Stakeholders on Residents of Rural Tourism Destinations: A case study of Tourist villages of Torghabeh and Shandiz cities Countyتحلیل پیامدهای کارکردی و غیر کارکردی تعارض ذینفعان بر ساکنان مقصدهای گردشگری روستایی، مطالعه موردی: مقاصد گردشگری روستایی شهرستان طرقبه و شاندیز13114710793810.22059/jhgr.2026.408195.1008869FAمیترایاراحمدیگروه جغرافیا، دانشکده ادبیات و علوم انسانی، دانشگاه فردوسی، مشهد، مشهد، ایران0009-0008-8272-5078حمداللهسجاسی قیداریگروه جغرافیا، دانشکده ادبیات و علوم انسانی، دانشگاه فردوسی، مشهد، مشهد، ایران0000-0001-9456-7312حمیدشایانگروه جغرافیا، دانشکده ادبیات و علوم انسانی، دانشگاه فردوسی، مشهد، مشهد، ایران0000-0001-6176-7641Journal Article20260515ABSTRACT
Conflict among stakeholders is a central and inevitable phenomenon in rural tourism development. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze and evaluate the effects and consequences of these conflicts on the residents of rural tourism destinations in Torghabeh and Shandiz County.This research is classified as fundamental-applied and utilized a quantitative methodology. Data were collected via questionnaires from 392 residents across 19 tourism destination villages. Data analysis employed descriptive and inferential statistics (SPSS) and the PSI multi-criteria decision-making model.Stakeholder conflicts, often stemming from inefficient management, predominantly resulted in non-functional (negative) consequences. The key negative impacts included a reduction in well-being (specifically the loss of rural comfort due to congestion and traffic), negative perceptions of tourism, weakened social participation and relations, and environmental-physical degradation (such as natural environment destruction and excessive construction). Economic issues involved unequal income distribution and a reduced capacity for income diversification. Overall, the positive (functional) impacts of conflict were assessed as below average. However, spatial analysis revealed that villages like Azghad, Gang, and Gerakhak experienced functional conflicts, leading to environmental-physical dynamism and new employment opportunities.The study found the positive effects of conflict to be below average, with a significant predominance of negative effects, underscoring the necessity for immediate managerial intervention. Recommended strategies include regulating traffic flow, controlling construction, ensuring the fair distribution of economic benefits, and empowering the local community to manage dysfunctional conflicts and transform them into constructive ones.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
In recent decades, rural tourism has emerged as one of the keys, dynamic, and fundamental strategies in sustainable rural development documents, drawing the attention of planners, geographers, and policymakers. This development model, especially during periods of instability, recession, and economic uncertainty at both national and international levels, is regarded as a strategic tool for preserving, revitalizing, and regenerating the physical and economic structure of villages (Zhou et al, 2021). Rural tourism, by attracting idle urban capital, brings significant economic benefits to local communities and serves as a main driver for non-agricultural employment, reducing structural poverty, diversifying the local economy, and improving living standards (Yuxi & Linshenga, 2020). However, the multidimensional nature of this industry and the increasing, rapid, and unpredictable influx of visitors into sensitive, fragile, and traditional rural environments also bring about negative consequences and serious multidimensional challenges physical, environmental, economic, and socio-cultural. Among these structural challenges are the transformation of the physical, historical, and architectural identity of villages into tradable commercial goods; spatial segregation and separation between modern tourism constructions (villas and resorts) and the traditional fabric of the village; rapid and illegal changes in the use of agricultural and orchard lands; physical congestion and uncontrolled traffic in narrow rural passages; severe cultural conflicts between tourists’ behavioral norms and the lifestyle of local communities; and the imposition of local inflation and artificial, bubble-like growth in land and housing prices, all of which threaten the livability of host communities (Paymanfar, 2020: 20). Given the multiple, diverse, and sometimes conflicting functions of rural environments (such as residential, agricultural, recreational, and environmental roles), the overlap of spaces and the misalignment of interests among different groups, these negative consequences create a suitable ground for the emergence of conflict among various stakeholders. Conflict refers to a dynamic and interactive situation in which disagreement, opposition, incompatibility, or serious struggle arises regarding goals, needs, desires, economic interests, and value systems between two or more individuals or groups. In the existing theoretical and empirical literature, conflict is considered an inevitable and inherent phenomenon in the tourism development process, which can be regarded as a structural threat to individual and group relationships, especially in fragile local communities (Chien & Ritchie, 2018). The lack of management or inefficient management of these frictions leads to destructive and dysfunctional consequences such as a severe decline in local cooperation, polarization of the host community, retaliatory and hostile behaviors, weakening of cohesion and social capital, severe destruction of natural resources, and a reduction in the economic achievements and sustainability of tourism development (Cox et al, 2017). On the other hand, if principled, participatory, and competent management approaches are adopted, this phenomenon can become a natural, dynamic, and even constructive part of social life and an essential element for change, structural reform, and system dynamism, bringing about positive aspects (Wang & Yotsumoto, 2019). In this case, conflict, as a functional tool, leads to the clarification of hidden issues, strengthening of intra-group communications, increased social learning, enhancement of community-based participation, and the redefinition of norms and regulations in favor of local communities.
The rural areas of Torghabeh and Shandiz County, as the most important and popular summer, natural, and tourist hub in the northeast region of Iran and around the holy city of Mashhad, have, due to their unique natural, climatic, historical, and cultural attractions, for years become the main destination for second homes tourism, ecotourism, traditional restaurant businesses, and cultural tourism. The rapid influx of private sector investments, dense villa construction, and the increasing and massive arrival of tourists at the end of each week to this region, alongside limited economic benefits and their unequal distribution, have led to structural conflicts, deep dissatisfaction, and acute disputes among the host community, tourists, owners of tourism businesses, and governmental and authoritative organizations (such as the Department of Environment, Ministry of Cultural Heritage, and Housing Foundation). Improper management of these conflicts has not only weakened social cohesion and traditional bonds of the local community, but by shaping negative perceptions among residents regarding the costs of tourism, has severely reduced their support for the development of this industry. Although the research literature in the field of tourism management has sporadically examined stakeholder conflicts, there is a clear theoretical and practical gap regarding simultaneous, comprehensive, and spatial analysis of outcomes in two distinct spectrums of "functional" and "non-functional" impacts in rural geography of Iran. Therefore, this study aims to fill this research gap by identifying, analyzing, quantitatively evaluating, and spatially ranking the functional and non-functional impacts of stakeholder conflicts on the lives of rural residents in Torghabeh and Shandiz County, to provide an effective practical guide for sustainable regional planners.
Methodology
The present study is classified as fundamental-applied research in terms of its objective, and as quantitative research in terms of its methodological nature. Data collection was conducted using a researcher-made questionnaire. To this end, initially, the effects and consequences of conflict were extracted from the existing theoretical literature in two groups positive and negative effects as dimensions and indicators for measuring the impact of stakeholder conflicts on various aspects of the lives of residents in rural tourism destinations. Subsequently, a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of 48 items on a 5-point Likert scale, was designed and completed by 392 residents from 19 rural tourism destinations located along three main tourism axes in Torghabeh and Shandiz County (Shandiz District, Abardeh Rural District with four villages, Torghabeh District, Jaghargh Rural District with five villages, and Torghabeh Rural District with ten villages). The sample size was determined using Cochran’s formula (error 0.05) and selected through stratified random sampling (allocating the sample size in each village proportional to its population), with participants chosen based on their awareness and informational knowledge relevant to the study topic. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software and descriptive and inferential statistics. Additionally, for spatial analysis of conflict effects and ranking the studied villages in terms of their susceptibility to positive and negative outcomes, PSI model was used. This model, without the need for subjective weighting methods, can simultaneously, directly, and objectively calculate the weights of indicators and rank the options from the initial decision matrix, thus eliminating researcher bias. The validity of the questionnaire was assessed using two methods: comparison with a criterion and the pre-test method. Therefore, the indicators and questions were extracted and designed based on previous studies, and then the accuracy, comprehensiveness, and relevance of the designed indicators to the research topic were confirmed by the opinions of 17 rural experts and experienced specialists. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, which showed values above 0.78 for all dimensions, indicating strong internal consistency and high reliability of the questionnaire.
Results and discussion
The results of the one-sample T-test for the indicators and dimensions of conflict impacts showed that, overall, the negative impacts of conflict on residents (mean 3.097) were significantly greater than the positive impacts (mean 2.797). This finding indicates that due to inefficient management, conflicts among stakeholders have mainly led to dysfunctional rather than functional outcomes, which is consistent with previous studies (Yang et al, 2013; Beekman et al, 2017; Gross et al, 2022) that identify conflict as a factor reducing cooperation and community welfare, as well as research that considers environmental damage (Hjalager, 2020) and spatial degradation (Loperena, 2017) as the result of land use conflicts and reduced cooperation and welfare in local communities, and the negative perceptions of residents regarding the costs of tourism development (Teng, 2019; Gascón, 2012) as a result of inefficient management. Among the most significant dysfunctional consequences are: loss of comfort, tranquility, and privacy for villagers due to increased crowds and congestion (3.83), increased structural conflicts and misunderstandings between local and external stakeholders (3.63), decreased sense of public, social, and moral security in the village environment (average: 3.50), increased behavioral conflicts and cultural clashes between tourists and residents (3.49), reduced motivation for local and traditional economic activities in the tourism sector (3.49), emergence of disputes, physical and verbal altercations, and legal cases (3.41), development of negative attitudes, pessimism, and aversion among the local community toward tourism development (3.35), and environmental-physical consequences (average: 3.83) such as destruction of the natural environment (including littering, water pollution, damage to vegetation) and excessive construction (including unauthorized buildings and land use changes). In contrast, functional (positive) consequences were generally evaluated as lower than the theoretical average. However, the average of some indicators was higher than the mean, indicating that under certain circumstances, conflict can have constructive effects such as: revitalization of the village environment (3.41), creation of investment opportunities (3.20), increased sense of place attachment (3.15), and increased intra-group cooperation (3.14). The positive average for "energizing the rural environment" shows that in some villages, conflicts over environmental-physical issues have led to collective action and improved management. Also, the above-average score for "increasing sense of place attachment" indicates that conflict may sometimes strengthen the identity and desire of residents to protect their place of living. Furthermore, the results from the PSI decision matrix showed that the spatial distribution of conflict consequences across the 19 studied villages was by no means homogeneous, and based on this, the villages are divided into three major spatial categories. a) Villages with predominantly non-functional (destructive) conflict: Mayan Olya, Tajer, Maj, Moghan, and Abardeh Sofla villages scored highest in non-functional consequences. In these villages, due to managerial abandonment and lack of infrastructure to respond to the massive influx of tourists, the nature of conflicts has become entirely destructive, exhausting, and anti-development, resulting in a severe decline in social capital and destruction of environmental resources. b) Villages with Predominantly Functional (Constructive) Conflict: The villages of Azghad and Garakhak fall into this category. In these locations, the presence of cohesive local institutions and the high awareness of residents have turned stakeholder conflicts into opportunities for physical-environmental dynamism, precise identification of problems, attracting government funding, and creating new and sustainable job opportunities. c) Villages with Dual Status: Prominent and large villages such as Jaghargh, Kong, Abardeh Olya, and Noghondar are polarized between functional and non-functional effects; that is, they simultaneously experience the highest rates of economic income (functional) and the most severe traffic, illegal construction, and behavioral conflicts (non-functional).
Conclusion
The findings of the research indicate that although the existing conflicts in the studied destinations have the potential to become opportunities (functional conflicts), due to inefficient management, lack of simultaneous attention to the interests of all stakeholders, and insufficient participation of local communities, the existing conflicts among stakeholders act as dysfunctional conflicts. Instead of contributing to the sustainable development of rural tourism, they have led to the weakening of local community welfare and the intensification of environmental and cultural problems. The main root of the negative consequences of tourism is not the conflict itself, but its ineffective management. Therefore, to reduce negative impacts and also to enhance the positive effects of conflict, it is recommended to formulate and implement regulations for managing tourist flows to address overcrowding and traffic and restore residents’ comfort, control construction and land-use changes, and promote responsible tourism through educating stakeholders on sustainable management principles and raising tourists’ awareness. Furthermore, ensuring the fair distribution of economic benefits and providing opportunities for rural residents to participate in tourism decision-making and activities to reduce local dissatisfaction, empowering the local community through specialized training programs especially for women and youth to manage dysfunctional conflicts and turn them into constructive ones, and investing in the restoration of historical buildings and the development of infrastructure by relevant institutions (such as the Cultural Heritage Organization) for cultural revitalization and physical development of villages, are also recommended.
Funding
There is no funding support.
Authors’ Contribution
This article is derived from the first author's doctoral dissertation (review of scholarly literature, data collection, and data analysis), conducted under the supervision of the second and third authors (development of the research methodology framework and contribution to the final report).
Conflict of Interest
The authors declared no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.تعارض میان ذینفعان، پدیده‌ای اجتناب‌ناپذیر و محوری در توسعه گردشگری روستایی است. لذا پژوهش حاضر با هدف تحلیل جامع آثار و پیامدهای تعارضات بر ساکنان مقاصد گردشگری روستایی در شهرستان طرقبه و شاندیز انجام‌شده است. این پژوهش از نظر هدف بنیادی-کاربردی و از نظر ماهیت روش‌شناسی، کمی است. داده‌ها از طریق پرسشگری از ۳۹۲ نفر از ساکنان ۱۹ روستای مقصد گردشگری طرقبه شاندیز گردآوری و برای تجزیه‌وتحلیل داده‌ها از آمار توصیفی و استنباطی (SPSS) و مدل تصمیم‌گیری چندمعیاره PSI استفاده‌شده است. یافته‌ها نشان می‌دهد که، تعارض‌های میان ذینفعان اغلب به دلیل مدیریت ناکارآمد، منجر به پیامدهای غیر کارکردی (منفی) شده است. مهم‌ترین این پیامدها شامل؛ کاهش بهزیستی (به‌ویژه سلب آسایش روستاییان به دلیل ازدحام و ترافیک)، ادراکات منفی نسبت به گردشگری، تضعیف مشارکت و روابط اجتماعی، پیامدهای محیطی-کالبدی (مانند تخریب محیط طبیعی و ساخت‌وساز بیش‌ازحد)، توزیع نابرابر درآمدها و کاهش ظرفیت متنوع‌سازی منابع درآمدی، می‌باشد. تأثیرات مثبت (کارکردی) تعارض به‌طورکلی کمتر از حد متوسط ارزیابی‌شده است. بااین‌حال، تحلیل فضایی نشان داد که روستاهایی مانند ازغد، گنگ و گراخک تجربه تعارض‌های کارکردی را داشته‌اند که به پویایی محیطی-کالبدی و ایجاد فرصت‌های شغلی جدید انجامیده است. به‌طورکلی تأثیرات مثبت تعارض کمتر از حد متوسط ارزیابی‌شده و غلبه معنادار تأثیرات منفی، لزوم مداخله فوری مدیریتی را آشکار می‌سازد. لذا اتخاذ راهکارهایی چون مقررات مدیریت جریان تردد، کنترل ساخت‌وساز، توزیع عادلانه منافع اقتصادی و توانمندسازی جامعه محلی برای مدیریت تعارض‌های غیر کارکردی و تبدیل آن‌ها به تعارض‌های سازنده پیشنهادشده است.https://jhgr.ut.ac.ir/article_107938_5c662b4ae8c367078ef711b4844fbf77.pdfدانشگاه تهرانپژوهشهای جغرافیای انسانی2008-629658320260923Investigating the Factors Affecting Physical Resilience in the Worn-out Urban Fabrics of Rasht Cityارزیابی عوامل مؤثر بر تاب‌آوری کالبدی در بافت فرسوده شهر رشت مطالعه موردی: محله ساغری سازان14916610818010.22059/jhgr.2023.353203.1008574FAمحمداسکندری نودهگروه جغرافیا و برنامه‌ریزی شهری، دانشگاه پیام نور، تهران، ایراناسماعیلنصیری هنده خالهگروه شهرسازی، دانشکده معماری و هنر، دانشگاه گیلان، رشت، ایران0000-0001-9673-2887سید علیحسینیگروه جغرافیا و برنامه‌ریزی شهری، دانشگاه پیام نور، تهران، ایرانمهردادبردبار طاهر گورابیگروه جغرافیا و برنامه‌ریزی شهری، دانشگاه پیام نور، تهران، ایرانJournal Article20260516ABSTRACTEarthquakes are among the most destructive natural hazards, causing severe impacts on deteriorated urban fabrics due to their physical vulnerability and socio-spatial deficiencies. Assessing urban resilience in such areas requires a comprehensive evaluation of key dimensions, including social contexts and community networks, neighborhoods’ physical condition, adaptive capacity within deteriorated urban fabrics, residents’ economic conditions, as well as institutional, managerial, and environmental factors. This study aims to evaluate the factors affecting the physical resilience of the deteriorated urban fabric of Rasht, Iran. This research adopted an applied, descriptive-survey design. The statistical population comprised residents of the deteriorated urban fabric of Rasht. Using Cochran's formula, the required sample size was determined to be 384 respondents, and participants were selected through random sampling. Data were collected utilizing a researcher-developed questionnaire that demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with LISREL software. The findings indicate that structural resistance has a positive and statistically significant effect on urban resilience (β = 0.77, T = 6.74). Structural quality also exerts a positive and significant influence on urban resilience (β = 0.84, T = 6.82). Likewise, urban accessibility has a positive and statistically significant effect on urban resilience (β = 0.69, T = 8.34). Furthermore, neighborhood physical conditions constitute another significant determinant of urban resilience, with a standardized path coefficient of β = 0.62 and a T-value of 7.40, confirming a positive and statistically significant relationship.Extended AbstractIntroductionDeteriorated urban fabric comprises urban areas that have experienced substantial physical degradation and functional inefficiency, resulting in declining building quality, inadequate infrastructure, and reduced urban performance. These neighborhoods often suffer from the concentration of physical, social, economic, environmental, and institutional problems, making them highly vulnerable to natural hazards. Accordingly, enhancing resilience in deteriorated urban areas has become a major objective of sustainable urban planning and disaster risk reduction. Natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, continue to threaten urban communities worldwide. Their unpredictable occurrence and destructive consequences make complete prevention impossible; therefore, improving urban resilience is considered one of the most effective approaches to minimizing damage and accelerating post-disaster recovery. Among the various dimensions of resilience, physical resilience is especially significant because it reflects the capacity of buildings, infrastructure, and urban spatial systems to withstand, absorb, and recover from hazardous events. Rasht, the largest city in Gilan Province, encompasses extensive deteriorated urban neighborhoods with high seismic vulnerability resulting from aging buildings, inadequate infrastructure, and limited accessibility. Evaluating the physical resilience of these neighborhoods is therefore essential for identifying priority areas for urban regeneration and disaster risk reduction. Accordingly, this study investigates the major factors affecting physical resilience in the deteriorated urban fabric of Rasht and evaluates the contribution of each factor to strengthening resilience against earthquake hazards.MethodologyThis study employed an applied research approach based on a descriptive-survey design. Based on the latest national census, the statistical population consisted of 124,371 residents living within the deteriorated urban fabric of Rasht. The sample size was determined using Cochran's formula, resulting in 384 respondents, who were selected through simple random sampling to ensure equal participation opportunities. Data were collected employing a researcher-developed questionnaire. Content validity was confirmed by a panel of academic experts, while reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, yielding a coefficient of 0.70, which indicates acceptable internal consistency. The collected data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in LISREL to evaluate the relationships between the selected physical indicators and urban resilience. The analytical framework comprised four independent variables: structural resistance, structural quality, urban accessibility, and neighborhood physical conditions. These indicators were examined to determine their relative contributions to improving the physical resilience of deteriorated urban neighborhoods against earthquake hazards. Results and discussionThe findings of the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) demonstrate that all four physical indicators have positive and statistically significant effects on urban resilience within the deteriorated urban fabric of Rasht. Among the examined variables, structural quality had the strongest influence on urban resilience (β = 0.84, t = 6.82), indicating that improving construction quality plays a critical role in reducing earthquake vulnerability. Structural resistance also showed a significant positive effect (β = 0.77, t = 74.60), confirming that strengthening buildings substantially enhances their ability to withstand seismic impacts. Urban accessibility was another significant determinant of resilience (β = 0.69, t = 8.34). Efficient transportation networks and adequate access to primary roads facilitate emergency evacuation, rescue operations, and the rapid delivery of relief services, thereby improving the adaptive capacity of urban communities. Likewise, neighborhood physical conditions significantly contributed to urban resilience (β = 0.62, t = 7.40). Better physical environments, including well-maintained infrastructure and public spaces, increase the ability of neighborhoods to cope with disasters and recover more effectively. Overall, the results indicate that strengthening the physical characteristics of the built environment is fundamental to enhancing earthquake resilience in deteriorated urban areas. The findings also support previous studies emphasizing that investments in structural safety, infrastructure improvement, and accessibility are essential for reducing disaster risk and promoting sustainable urban development.ConclusionUrban resilience has become a fundamental principle of sustainable urban planning in response to rapid urbanization, population growth, and increasing exposure to natural hazards. Deteriorated urban fabrics are among the most vulnerable parts of cities because of aging buildings, inadequate infrastructure, dense development, and limited accessibility, all of which intensify earthquake impacts and delay post-disaster recovery. This study demonstrates that structural resistance, structural quality, urban accessibility, and neighborhood physical conditions are the principal physical determinants of resilience in deteriorated urban neighborhoods. Strengthening these factors through urban regeneration programs can significantly reduce vulnerability and improve disaster preparedness and recovery capacity.Physical resilience extends beyond individual buildings to include critical infrastructure such as transportation networks, healthcare facilities, emergency shelters, public open spaces, and utility systems. In particular, efficient arterial roads play a vital role in supporting both emergency evacuation before disasters and the rapid distribution of rescue services and essential supplies during the recovery phase. In conclusion, resilience in deteriorated urban fabrics reflects the capacity of urban systems to withstand earthquake impacts, adapts to changing conditions, and restores essential functions within an acceptable period. Therefore, integrating resilience-oriented strategies into urban planning and regeneration policies is essential for achieving sustainable urban development and reducing disaster risk in vulnerable cities such as Rasht.FundingThere is no funding support. Authors’ ContributionAuthors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved the content of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none. Conflict of InterestAuthors declared no conflict of interest. AcknowledgmentsWe are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.زلزله پدیده‌ای است که در بافت‌های فرسوده اثرات مخرب بسیاری بر جای می‌گذارد، با توجه به شاخص‌های مطرح‌شده، بسترهای اجتماعی شامل شبکه اجتماعی در بافت‌های فرسوده، وضعیت کالبدی محلات و قدرت سازگاری در بافت‌های فرسوده، وضعیت اقتصادی ساکنان و نیز شاخص نهادی و مدیریتی و محیطی به‌منظور سنجش تاب‌آوری باید موردبررسی قرار گیرد. هدف تحقیق ارزیابی عوامل مؤثر بر تاب‌آوری کالبدی در بافت فرسوده شهر رشت است. پژوهش توصیفی-پیمایشی و نوع آن کاربردی می‌باشد. جامعه آماری شهروندان بافت فرسوده شهر رشت می‌باشند. حجم نمونه از طریق فرمول کوکران 384 نفر و روش نمونه‌گیری تصادفی ابزارهای گردآوری داده‌ها پرسشنامه ساخته خود محقق که روایی و پایایی آن مورد تأیید قرار گرفت و تجزیه‌وتحلیل با استفاده از معادلات ساختاری لیزرل انجام شد. بر اساس نتایج، مقاومت سازه با ضریب بتای 77/0 و مقدار T 6/74 تأثیر مثبت و معناداری بر تاب‌آوری شهری دارد. کیفیت سازه با ضریب مسیر 84/0 و مقدار T 82/6 بر تاب‌آوری شهری تأثیر مثبت و معناداری دارد. وضعیت دسترسی شهری نیز بر تاب‌آوری شهری تأثیر مثبت و معناداری دارد. ضریب مسیر این ارتباط برابر 69/0 و مقدار T برابر 34/8 است. وضعیت کالبدی محله نیز دیگر متغیری است که بر تاب‌آوری شهری اثرگذار است. این متغیر مستقل با ضریب بتای 62/0 و مقدار T 4/7 بر متغیر تاب‌آوری شهری اثرگذار است.https://jhgr.ut.ac.ir/article_108180_010761222373afed0c304c14cd9a8cc0.pdfدانشگاه تهرانپژوهشهای جغرافیای انسانی2008-629658320260923Improving the capacities of development and convergence in the new regional order of Central Asia-Iranارتقای ظرفیت‌های توسعه و همگرایی در نظم نوین منطقه‌ای آسیای مرکزی-ایران9840510.22059/jhgr.2024.377913.1008705FAحمیدرضاشیبانیگروه جغرافیای سیاسی، دانشکده جغرافیا، دانشگاه تهران، پردیس البرز، تهران0009-0001-9524-4379رسولافضلیگروه جغرافیای سیاسی، دانشکده جغرافیا، دانشگاه تهران، تهران. ایران.0000-0002-8863-044xمرجانبدیعی ازنداهیگروه جغرافیای سیاسی، دانشکده جغرافیا، دانشگاه تهران، تهران. ایران.کیومرثیزدان پناه دروگروه جغرافیای سیاسی، دانشکده جغرافیا، دانشگاه تهران، تهران. ایران.0000-0002-7224-208XJournal Article20240612Extended AbstractIntroductionIn contemporary globalization, development and convergence has become the common goal or driving force of the developing countries and in line with the national grand strategy. Contemporary regionalism is greatly affected by the networking of communications with the power of space, currents and the activism of new actors, one of the results of which is the direct effect of convergence and development on each other or its symmetry at the level of the global structure. Despite the challenges experienced in regionalism, the countries of Central Asia-Iran still welcome regionalization or regional initiatives of which these countries are a part, as a key component in the grand strategy of their national authority. Central Asia is one of the five geopolitical circles surrounding Iran, which includes an important part of Iran's cultural territory with its geographical continuity and cultural-civilizational affinities. Iran and Central Asia, despite having diverse basic values and with a high capability of cooperation and interaction, have not had the necessary ability to promote development-oriented convergence capacities with their own initiatives to create a region or effective joint activism in the implementation of new regional plans in contemporary globalization. At the same time, the trend of modern regionalism in Central Asia shows that, despite the previous unsuccessful efforts of the countries located in this region, by joining larger regional organizations, they are gradually overcoming the internal obstacles of regionalism. The geographical space of Central Asia-Iran has various geographical characteristics and values for the expansion of regional interactions; So as to be processed in the natural-organic process of the new regional order in combination with the opportunities of symmetry of development and convergence in contemporary globalization to geopolitical realities. The importance of the issue is that the fast-paced and complex developments of contemporary globalization have made important categories such as development, convergence and regionalism strongly interrelated, therefore, considering the low level of interactions between the countries of Iran and Central Asia, despite the existence of diverse platforms, it is necessary to Choosing a perspective and a method appropriate to the global-regionalization process, the mechanism for promoting the convergence and development capacities between the countries of Iran and Central Asia, to provide analysis and solutions necessary to strengthen the active participation and centrality of these countries for the purpose of overlapping the new regional order with the territory of cultural Iran. Considering the importance of this issue in the new regional order and the common characteristics that define these countries in a certain geographical region, this question is raised with the aim of knowing the diverse capacities and the mechanism of promoting development and convergence in this region, which the development and convergence capacities of Asian countries Central-Iran in the mechanism of the new regional order, how will it be possible to update and upgrade? In response to this hypothesis, it is presented that Iran and Central Asia can update and upgrade the basic and internal capacities of development and convergence by taking advantage of global opportunities in the new regional order; So that in a natural-organic process, they form the absorbent core and the center of its convergence. Therefore, with a quasi-paradigmatic network approach, we analyze the capacities of development and convergence in the new regional order in the three structures of the geopolitical network (in its special sense), the Geoeconomics network and the Geoculture network of the Central Asia-Iran region.MethodologyThis research is descriptive-analytical in terms of methodology; So that by benefiting from the main study approach and its relationship with the theoretical approaches of other topics that make up this research and presenting proposed solutions, it deals with the situation, mechanism and the possibility of realizing the main goal. The sources of this research are document-library and by reading books, articles, treatises and internet resources.Results and discussionKnowing the different aspects of the new regional order is strongly influenced by the globalization of the contemporary; Thus, regionalism is globalization on the scale of regions. Therefore, by taking advantage of the network approach, the neglected aspects of the development and convergence mechanism of Central Asia-Iran at the global level with the components of social capital, the global value chain and the balance of intelligent forces, and at the regional level in the three main geopolitical structures on which the regional order is formed Finds; The components of civilizational identity in the structure of geo-culture, competitive advantage in the structure of geo-economy and the stability of national-regional authority were discussed. Despite the fact that in the new regional order and at the level of its structural analysis on a global scale, geographical criteria have become weaker; If the geographic space of the region has diverse common values of synergy in regional convergence and development, and with alignment and consensus in mutually beneficial policies combined with the opportunities of globalization, They will play an important and irreplaceable role in the geographical-organic structure and evolution from regional grouping to a regional organization.ConclusionIran and Central Asia have diverse geographical values in the geopolitical structure of the regional order, which, if mixed with the global opportunities of Symmetry of development and convergence, will form the core absorbing in the regional geopolitical structure. provided that the national and regional policies of these countries look at the component of common cultural capital in improving the level of social interactions, mutual competitive advantage in creating regional value and supply chain links, and mutual strategic depth in the stability of national-regional authority. Therefore, by increasing the density and diversity with the value of internal interactions and linking with the space of currents at the level of inter-regional and global interactions, he expected the creation of the Central Asia-Iran network cluster with an effective placement in the geopolitical context of a global network in the natural-organic process of regionalism.کشورهای آسیای مرکزی-ایران با توجه به تقارن توسعه و همگرایی در ساختار جهانی شدن معاصر، منطقه‌گرایی نوین را مؤلفه‌ای کلیدی در استراتژی کلان اقتدار ملی خود می‌دانند. نظر به اهمیت این موضوع و ویژگی‌های تعریف این کشورها در یک منطقه‌ی جغرافیایی مشخص، پرسش و فرضیه‌ی این مقاله با هدف شناخت ظرفیت‌های متنوع و سازوکار ارتقای توسعه و همگرایی در این منطقه طرح و ارائه شد. با بهره‌گیری از رویکرد شبه پارادیمی شبکه در توصیف جهانی-منطقه‌ای شدن معاصر، به‌شکلی متناظر سازوکار ارتباط مؤلفه‌های معرف توسعه و همگرایی در سطح جهانی با سطح منطقه‌ای آن در آسیای مرکزی-ایران تحلیل و راهکارهای لازم در تقویت مشارکت کنشگرانه این کشورها در نظم نوین منطقه‌ای ارائه شد. در الگوی شبکه‌ای جهانی-منطقه‌ای شدن مؤلفه‌های جهانی تقارن توسعه و همگرایی؛ سرمایه‌ی اجتماعی در جامعه‌ی شبکه‌ای، سرمایه‌داری جهانی در اقتصاد شبکه‌ای و موازنه‌ی قوای هوشمند در سیاستِ قدرت شبکه‌ای به ترتیب با مؤلفه‌های معرف در شبکه‌ی منطقه‌ای این کشورها؛ هویت تمدنی در سازه‌ی ژئوکالچر، مزیت رقابتی در سازه‌ی ژئواکونومی و ثبات اقتدار ملی-منطقه‌ای تأثیر متقابل دارند. در عین حال با ترابرد و پیوند کارکردی با هم می‌توانند خوشه‌ی شبکه‌ای و هسته‌ی جاذب آسیای مرکزی-ایران را بر مبنای تلفیق ویژگی‌های ممتاز در مقایسه با ادغام‌های منطقه‌ای دیگر ایجاد کنند. نتیجه آنکه ظرفیت‌ها یا ارزش‌های جغرافیایی مشترک منطقه می‌توانند در تلفیق با فرصت‌های جهانی‌شدن معاصر به واقعیت‌های ژئوپلیتیک در فرآیند طبیعی-ارگانیکِ نظم نوین منطقه‌ای آسیای مرکزی-ایران فرآوری شوند. این امر با نقش همسو و سازنده‌‌ی این کشورها در ایجاد منطقه‌ای قدرتمند مبتنی بر واقعیت‌های ژئوپلیتیک منطقه‌ای و جهانی امکان‌پذیر است؛ به‌نحویکه در توزیع رابطه‌ای قدرت، جانمایی با اهمیتی در بافتار ژئوپلیتیک شبکه‌ای برای این کشورها به ارمغان آورد.