The Effect of Spatial Minorities on National Power(by Emphasis on Ethnicity Minorities)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Abstract

Extended Abstract
Introduction
The concept of power and its presence in the world of politics are so significant that experts like Wolfers compare it with the role of money in the world of economy and believe that the function of power in the world of politics is exactly similar to the function of money in the world of economics (Seyfzadeh 1379, 170). To be more precise, today nations are struggling to gain, maintain, or demonstrate power (Alem 1376, 188). So, what matters in international relations is the power of political units which, under the title of national power and through gaining geopolitical weight, increases bargaining power of nations in regional and global relations and in this way guarantees national security. One of the primary and challenging geopolitical problems for countries in international system, is the existence of conflicts and lack of correspondence between theoretical and true definitions of national government. The ethnic, lingual, racial, and cultural variety of governments' (minorities') population structure has made it difficult for governments to create an integrated national identity. That is why world's political map is constantly changing and new countries are born. Countries that have an integrated nation or are monoethnic, enjoy national integrity as an empowering factor (Hafeznia 1385, 283). In contrast, presence of different nationalities in a country can act like centrifugal force, i.e. if minorities' rights are neglected, national identity and security will be endangered (Karimipour 1379, 25). Globalization process in information, economic, and even political aspects has threatened national boundaries and released bottom forces upward. Having new political, social, and cultural demands, these forces have exposed national governments to numerous problems (Gheisary 1382, 398). This issue has changed some of the conventional functions of national governments, which were meant for sovereignty and territorial integrity. With regard to the fact that minority support was part of European and American diplomacy in 20th century, today foreign powers interfere in countries' affairs, especially those of the third world, which results in minoritization and has set the scene for conflicts between spatial minorities and governments (Bazarsalan & Ibid 1997, 16-17). Also awakening of internal identities, when they are in contrast with a greater identity, called national identity, increases the pressure on government. As Jasper Biro says, today the incidents and crises related to the demands of minorities and ethnic groups are so widespread that 21th century could be called "the century of ethnic resurrection" (Biro 1998, 15). So, taking into account the role of population heterogeneity in governments' power, these questions need to be regarded as important issues: what is the role of spatial minorities in increasing or decreasing national power? What procedure do spatial minorities adopt to satisfy their demands? How can foreign agents passivize spatial minorities? What approaches are helpful to decrease the pressure of spatial minorities on governments? What is the role of national governments in management and organization of spatial minorities? The hypothesis made at the outset is that diversity and variety of minorities decreases countries' national power.
Methodology
Adopting descriptive-analytic research design and using library data and websites related to political sciences, political geography, and sociology, this study aims to find out how spatial minorities, as a political phenomenon, can threaten sovereignty and power of governments, following the procedure of globalization and due to upward release of bottom forces. The independent variable in this study is national power and generally speaking, sovereignty of governments. The independent variable is the phenomenon of spatial minorities.
Results
Deep structural attempts made to homogenize and transform the ethnic-cultural variety in most countries, especially modern ones, indicates the effect of minorities on their power. Taking into account its role in the process of political participation and ultimately its effect on legitimization of ruling systems, homogeneity of population, whether quantitative or qualitative, is one of the most important components of national power which, compared to economic, military, geographical, etc factors has a more fundamental role in political success and empowering the nations. In order to reduce tensions and stop ethnic conflicts, we need to resort to solutions which neutralize conditions and reasons behind tensions and crises. These solutions, as well as respecting minorities' identity, should guarantee their rights to justly benefit country's political and economic resources. As factors like foreign support, weakness of central government, and minorities' demands could lead to violent and separatist movements by ethnic groups, attempts must be made to reduce the tendencies toward passivity and challenging the minorities. To do so, the following points are of great importance:

- enhancing political knowledge of all layers of society and informing them about foreign interference in ethnic conflicts
- creating cooperative platforms in political, economic, and social arenas
- attempt to increase power which adds to authority and influence of political systems in global transactions
- attempt to increase job opportunities all over the country
- attempt to prioritize construction and development especially in border areas
- using ability of ethnic elites to manage ethnic areas.
Conclusion
The most important mechanism through which national ends and interests are realized is to achieve national power which is obtained from different social, economic, geographic, technological, military, and political sources in a collective function. However, development of ethnic conflicts and its significance in international politics together with the vision that national power is undermined by ethnicities, has become an extensible theory in analyzing ethnicity relations and political power challenge. In this regard, "nation's mixture", "minority quantity", and "people's (or minorities') political participation" has always been at the center of attention by governments, as they indicate the degree to which the population is homogeneous or heterogeneous and consequently shows the level of the society's political participation - an indication of legitimizing the ruling system. This paper postulates that minority groups' mutual relations with government can increase or decrease national power. The research design is descriptive-analytic and the results indicate that a combination of minorities' demands, weakness of government and foreign supports, can play a role in decreasing countries' national power.
Key words: Spatial Minorities, Nation's Mixture, Minority Quality, Political Participation, National Power

Keywords

Main Subjects


  • - احمدی‌پور، زهرا، علوی، سیدعلی و محمدرضا هیودی، 1392، تأثیر ویژگی‌های قومی در فرآیند مشارکت سیاسی کشور، فصلنامة جغرافیایی، سال یازدهم، شمارة 36، صص 181- 200.

    - احمدی، حمید، 1387، آسیب‌شناسی مطالعات قومی در ایران، مجموعه مقالات همایش ملی تنوع فرهنگی، همبستگی ملی، مرکز تحقیقات استراتژیک مجمع تشخیص مصلحت نظام.

    - اسمیت، آنتونی، 1377، منابع قومی ناسیونالیسم، ترجمه و انتشارات پژوهشکدة مطالعات راهبردی.

    - اکبری، کمال، 1384، رابطه مشروعیت و مشارکت سیاسی، دفتر نشر معارف، قم.

    - الطائی، علی، 1382، بحران هویت قومی در ایران، نشر شادگان، تهران.

    - امیر احمدی، هوشنگ، 1371، توسعه نابرابر استان‌ها در ایران، اطلاعات سیاسی، سال یازدهم، شمارة 1.

    - بشیریه، حسین، 1380، موانع توسعه سیاسی در ایران، نشر گام نو، تهران.

    - پی یر، ژرژ، 1374، ژئوپولیتیک اقلیت‌ها، ترجمة سیروس سهامی، انتشارات واقفی، مشهد.

    -تابش، رضا و جعفر محسنی دره بیدی، 1390، مبانی مشروعیت نظام جمهوری اسلامی ایران، انتشارات مرکز اسناد انقلاب اسلامی.

    - ترنبری، پاتریک، 1379، حقوق بین‌الملل و حقوق اقلیت‌ها، ترجمة آزیتا شمشادی و علی‌اکبر آقایی، پژوهشکدة مطالعات راهبردی.

    - تیلس، اشلی، 1383، سنجش قدرت ملی در عصر فراصنعتی، ترجمة مؤسسه تحقیقات بین‌المللی ابرار معاصر، تهران.

    - جونز، مارتین و جونز، رایس و وودز، مایکل، 1386، مقدمه‌ای بر جغرافیای سیاسی، ترجمة زهرا پیشگاهی‌فرد و رسول اکبری، انتشارات دانشگاه تهران.

    - حافظ نیا، محمدرضا، 1381، جغرافیای سیاسی ایران، تهران، سمت.

    - حافظ‌نیا، محمدرضا، 1390، اصول و مفاهیم ژئوپلیتیک، انتشارات پاپلی، مشهد.

    -حافظ‌نیا، محمدرضا، 1389، قدرت و منافع ملی، انتشارات میرباقری، تهران.

    - حافظ‌نیا، محمدرضا و دیگران، 1378، مباحث نظری درباره قدرت ملی، فصل اول پروژه تحقیقی: تحلیل مبانی جغرافیایی قدرت ملی ج. ا.ایران، دانشگاه تربیت مدرس، تهران.

    - حافظ‌نیا، محمدرضا و مراد کاویانی، 1383، افق‌های جدید در جغرافیای سیاسی، سمت، تهران.

    - خوبروی پاک، محمدرضا، 1380، اقلیت‌ها، نشر و پژوهش شیرازه، تهران.

    - سبحانی، جعفر، 1370، فروغ ابدیت، جلد 2، انتشارات دفتر تبلیغات اسلامی، قم.

    - سعدآبادی، علی‌اصغر و همکاران، 1392، شناسایی مؤلفه‌های همبستگی ملی در اقوام ایرانی، فصلنامة راهبرد دفاعی، سال یازدهم، شمارة 42، صص 173- 198.

    - سیف‌زاده، سیدحسن، 1379، نظریه‌پردازی در روابط بین‌الملل، سمت، تهران.

    - راش، مایکل، 1377، جامعه و سیاست، ترجمة منوچهر صبوری، چاپ اول، سمت، تهران.

    - روشندل، جلیل، 1374، امنیت ملی و نظام بین‌المللی، سمت، تهران.

    - زرقانی، سیدهادی، 1389، نقد و تحلیل مدل‌های سنجش قدرت ملی، فصلنامه ژئوپلیتیک، سال ششم، شمارة 1، صص 149- 180.

    - صالحی امیری، سیدرضا، 1388، انسجام ملی و تنوع فرهنگی، مرکز تحقیقات استراتژیک، تهران.

    -عالم، عبدالرحمن، 1376، بنیادهای علم سیاست، نشر نی، تهران.

    -علی بخشی، ابراهیم و محمدحسن بیات، 1388، مبانی نظری امنیت ملی، نشر اجا، تهران.

    -علیخانی، علی‌اکبر، 1377، مشارکت سیاسی، نشر سفیر.

    - فلینت، کالین، 1390، مقدمه‌ای بر ژئوپلیتیک، ترجمة محمدباقر قالیباف و محمدهادی پوینده، نشر قومس.

    -قوام، عبدالعلی، 1370، اصول سیاست خارجی و سیاست بین‌الملل، چاپ اول، سمت، تهران.

    -قیصری، نورالله، 1382، جهانی‌شدن و تحول فرهنگ‌های سیاسی در جهان اسلام، مجموعه مقالات شانزدهمین کنفرانس بین‌المللی وحدت اسلامی، نشر اردیبهشت، تهران.

    -قمری، داریوش، 1384، همبستگی ملی در ایران، انتشارات تمدن ایرانی، تهران.

    -کاظمی، علی‌اصغر، 1369، نقش قدرت در جامعه و روابط بین‌الملل، نشر قومس، تهران.

    -کریمی‌پور، یدالله، 1379، مقدمه‌ای بر ایران و همسایگان (منابع تنش و تهدید)، جهاد دانشگاهی (تربیت‌معلم).

    -کولایی، الهه، 1381، بررسی زمینه‌های نظری و تاریخی همگرایی و واگرایی در فدراسیون روسیه، انتشارات وزارت امور خارجه، تهران.

    -عصمت، کندال، وانلی، شریف و مصطفی نازدار، 1387، کردها، ترجمة ابراهیم یونسی، نشر روزبهان.

    -مجتهدزاده، پیروز، 1381، جغرافیای سیاسی و سیاست جغرافیایی، سمت، تهران.

    - مورهد،گرگوری و گریفین، ریکی. دبلیو، 1374، رفتار سازمانی، ترجمة دکتر سیدمهدی الوانی و دکتر غلامرضا معمار زاده، چاپ چهارم، نشر مروارید، تهران.

    -مویر، ریچارد، 1379، درآمدی نو بر جغرافیای سیاسی، ترجمة دره میرحیدر و سیدیحیی صفوی، انتشارات سازمان جغرافیایی نیروهای مسلح.

    -مقصودی، مجتبی، 1382، تحولات قومی در ایران، علل و زمینه‌ها، مؤسسه مطالعات ملی، تهران.

    -میرحیدر مهاجرانی، دره، 1381، مبانی جغرافیای سیاسی، سمت، تهران.

    -نقیب‌زاده، احمد، 1373، حکومت در اروپا، سمت، تهران.

    • Ahmadipour, Z., Alavi, S. A. and Hiyoudi, M. R., 2014, The effect of ethnic characteristics in the process of the nation's political participation, Geographical Journal, Tehran, Vol. 11, No. 36. (In Persian)
    • Ahmadi, H., 2009, Pathology of ethnic studies in Iran, A Collection of Articles on Cultural Variety, National Unity, Strategic Researches Center of Expediency Council. (In Persian)
    • Smith, A., 1999, Ethnic Resources of Nationalism, Translated by: Strategic Studies Research Center Press. (In Persian)
    • Akbari, K., 2006, The Relationship Between Legitimacy and Political Participation, Nashre Ma'ref Press, Ghom. (In Persian)
    • Altaei, A., 2004, Ethnic Identity Crisis in Iran, Shadgan Press, Tehran. (In Persian)
    • Amir Ahmadi, H., 1993, Uneven development of provinces in Iran, Political Information, Vol. 11, No. 1. (In Persian)
    • Bashiriye, H., 2002, Political Development Hurdles, Gam-e-Now Press, Tehran. (In Persian)
    • Biro, G., 1993, Auto determination. Liberties Individualism. Liberates Nationally, IUHEL, Genève, P. 172.
    • Bozarslan, Hamit & Minassian,1997, Ibid . La question kurde: Etats et minorités au Moyen-Orient. Presses de science, p 16-17 
    • Cartatini, R.,1986, La force des fables. Encyclopediamedial desminorities Larousse .Paris.p 200.
    • Wirth, L., 1944, Derider Meintel, “Qu” p:347. 
    • Pier, G., 1996, Minoritie's Geopolitics, Translated by: Sahami, S., Vaghefi Press, Mashhad. (In Persian)
    • Tabesh, R. and Mohseni Darrehbidi, J., 2012, Basics of Legitimacy of Islamic Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic Documents Center Press. (In Persian)
    • Thornbury, P., 2001, International Law and Minorities Rights, Translated by: Shemshadi, A. and Agha'ei, A., Strategic Studies Research Center Press. (In Persian)
    • Tils, A., 2005, Measuring National Power in Postindutrial Age, Translated by: Abrar International Studies Institute, Tehran. (In Persian)
    • Jones, M & Jones, Rice & Woods, Michael., 2008, An Introduction to Political Geography, Translated by: Pishgahifard, Z. and Akbari, R., University of Tehran Press. (In Persian)
    • Hafeznia, M. R., 2003, Iran's Political Geography, Samt Press, Tehran. (In Persian)
    • Hafeznia, M. R., 2012, Principles and Concepts of Geopolitics, Papli Press, Mashhad. (In Persian)
    • Hafeznia, M. R., 2011, Power and National Interests, Mirbagheri Press, Tehran. (In Persian)
    • Hafeznia, M. R. et al., 2000, Theoretical Topics on National Power. Chapter one, Research project: Analysis of geographical basics of national power of I.R.I., Tarbiat Modarres University. (In Persian)
    • Hafeznia, M. R. and Kaviani, M., 2005, New Dimensions in Political Geography, Samt Press, Tehran. (In Persian)
    • Khoobruy Pak, M. R., 2002, Minorities, Shiraze Press, Tehran. (In Persian)
    • Sobhani, J., 1992, Light of Eternity, Vol. 2, Islamic Preaching Office Press, Ghom. (In Persian)
    • Sa'dabadi, A. A. et al., 2014, Recognition of National Unity Components among Iranian Ethnicities, Defensive Strategy, Vol. 11, No. 42. (In Persian)
    • Seyfzade, S. H., 2001, Theorizing in International Relations, Samt Press, Tehran. (In Persian)
    • Rush, M., 1999, Politics and society, 1st edition, Translated by: Sabouri, M., Samt Press, Tehran. (In Persian)
    • Rowshandel, J., 1996, National Security and International System, Samt Press, Tehran. (In Persian)
    • Zarghani, S. H., 2011, Critique and analysis of models of measuring national power, Geopolitics Periodical, Vol. 6, No. 1. (In Persian)
    • SalehiAmiri, S. R., 2010, National unity and cultural variety, Strategic Studies Center, Tehran. (In Persian)
    • Alem, A. R., 1998, Foundations of Political Sciences, Ney Press, Tehran. (In Persian)
    • Alibakhshai, E. and Bayat, M. H., 2009, Theoretical Foundations of National Security, Oja Press, Tehran. (In Persian)
    • Alikhani, A. A., 1999, Political Participation, Safir Press. (In Persian)
    • Flint, C., 2012, An Introduction to Geopolitics, Translated by: Ghalibaf, M. B. and Puyande, M. H., Ghoomes Press. (In Persian)
    • Ghavam, A. A., 1992, Principles of foreign politics and international politics, 1st edition, Samt Press, Tehran. (In Persian)
    • Gheisary, N., 2004 Globalization and Transformation of Political Cultures in the World of Islam, Collection of Articles of 16th International Conference on Islamic Unity, Ordibehesht Press, Tehran. (In Persian)
    • Ghamari, D., 2006, National Unity in Iran, Iranian Civilization Press, Tehran. (In Persian)
    • Kazemi, A. A., 1991, The Role of Power in Society and International Relations, Ghoomes Press, Tehran. (In Persian)
    • Karimipour, Y., 2001, An Introduction to Iran and the Neighbors (Sources of Tension and Threat, Jahad Daneshgahi Press, (Teacher Training). (In Persian)
    • Kolaei, E., 2003, The Study of Theoretical and Historical Context of Convergence and Divergence in Russian Feredarion, Foreign Ministry Press, Tehran. (In Persian)
    • Esmat, K., Vakeli, Sh. and Nazdar, M., 2009, Kurds, Translated by: Younesi, E., Roozbahan Press. (In Persian)
    • Mogtahedzade, P., 2003, Geographical Politics and Political Geography, Samt Press, Tehran. (In Persian)
    • Moorhead, G. and Griffin, R. W., 1996, Organizational Behavior, Translated by: Alvani S. M. and Me'marzadeh, Gh. R., 4th edition, Morvarid Press, Tehran. (In Persian)
    • Muir, R., 2001, Political Geography: A New Introduction, Translated by: Mirheidar, D. and Safavi, S. Y., Geography Department of Armed Forces Press. (In Persian)
    • Maghsoudi, M., 2004, Ethnic changes in Iran: Reasons and contexts, National Studies Institute Press, Tehran. (In Persian)
    • Mirheidar Mohajerani, D., 2003, Foundations of Political Geography, Samt Press, Tehran. (In Persian)
    • Naghibzade, A., 1995, Ruling in Europe, Samt Press, Tehran.