International Studies Journal (ISJ)

International Studies Journal (ISJ)

A Comparative Analysis of Human Rights Policies of Iran and Saudi Arabia with an emphasis on Constructivism

Document Type : Original Article from Result of Thesis

Authors
Fatemeh Nezhadifar 1
Mehdi Zakerian 2
Parviz Ahadi 3
1 PhD Student of International Relations, Political Science and International Relations Department, Tabriz Branch , Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.
2 Associate Professor at International Relations Department. Faculty of Theology, Law and Political Science. Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University. Tehran, Iran.
3 Assistant Professor at Department of Political Science and International Relations Department,, Bonab Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bonab, Iran
10.22034/isj.2023.360254.1898
Abstract
The field of human rights studies is shaped by various ideas based on conceptual and theoretical developments. The issue of human rights has been of utmost significance for both Iran and Saudi Arabia in recent decades. Iran and Saudi Arabia, as Islamic nations, have different perspectives on human rights within the international context and the framework of human rights driven by Islamic principles. Such that this can be considered a major factor influencing their relations with each other and with entities such as the United Nations, the Human Rights Council, and national/international powers. Research question: In view of constructivism, what are the effects of human rights policies on governance in Iran and Saudi Arabia? Research hypothesis: The human rights policies and their monitoring mechanisms in Iran and Saudi Arabia have significantly influenced their behavior in adhering to and accepting human rights norms. Therefore, their similarities and differences in this regard can be identified by comparing the state of human rights in these two countries. Findings: Research findings indicate that Iran demonstrates a more flexible stance on human rights issues compared to Saudi Arabia, which can be attributed to differences in their government type and civil society structure.

Highlights

Introduction

This study attempts to examine human rights from a constructivist viewpoint and juxtapose the views and status of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia regarding human rights. Over the past few decades, the issue of human rights has emerged as a significant and central concern for both Iran and Saudi Arabia. As Islamic nations, they have different perspectives on human rights both in terms of international standing and interpretation of Islamic criteria. This issue plays a crucial role in shaping their relationships with entities such as the United Nations, Human Rights Council, as well as national and international powers. Human rights have created conflicts in the relations of these countries with international organizations, particularly the United Nations and Human Rights Council, regarding matters that are generally accepted norms within the international community. Both Saudi Arabia, which operates under a royal system backed by the theory of Umm al-Qura (i.e., the core of the nation of the Islamic world), and Iran, which is governed by principles of political Islam, have encountered greater challenges regarding human rights compared to other Middle Eastern states.

 

Methodology

This study used a descriptive-analytical method, and the data was gathered through secondary research, including Persian and English books and articles. The theory of constructivism was employed as the research framework for a comparative analysis of human rights policies in Iran and Saudi Arabia. The rationale for selecting this theoretical framework was that constructivist thinkers have extensively addressed human rights and associated norms.

 

Results and Discussion

To operationalize the research hypothesis, initially the identity of Iran as an "Islamic revolutionary identity" was defined by analyzing well-known sources underpinning its identity. Governments with distinct identities bring forth diverse interests and values within the international system, and any change in these interests and values requires changes in the government identity. Accordingly, the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has specific interests in human rights, based on the values and laws that uphold its identity. Research indicates that adherence to Islamic human rights is regarded as the foremost self-defined interest of Iran's government. Hence, its policy is characterized by rejecting external demands and avoiding compromise. This stance supports the hypothesis put forth in this dissertation that despite its legal, political, and security significance, universal human rights have not yet occupied a substantial position within the macro policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of authoritarian elitism has reshaped both individual and social relationships, thus creating specific family, business, and official relations, with certain individuals enjoying superior intellectual, executive, and managerial skills and opportunities. As such, these elites gained political power and subsequently challenged the popular, civil, and libertarian movements. These conditions prevented the installation, removal, or control of government by civil institutions, thereby paving the way for the rule of specific individuals. Like a vicious circle, this has further bolstered authoritarian elitism, which has acquired an aristocratic appearance over time in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, it generally fails to adopt advancements in human rights and human rights organizations.  Based on the foregoing, it becomes evident that according to constructivism, Saudi Arabia's closed political structure and monarchical government restrict the full functioning of human rights institutions and hinder human rights-related reforms in this country.

 

Conclusion

The issue of identity in human rights in Iran and Saudi Arabia is readily apparent. A comparison of the two countries reveals that the Islamic Republic of Iran has a more flexible stance on human rights issues compared to Saudi Arabia, due to their forms of government and civil society.  Despite maintaining an Islamic framework for human rights throughout its rule, the Islamic Republic of Iran has made efforts to align its actions in the international arena with global perspectives, emphasizing the universality of human rights. Iran's participation in various conventions, as well as self-adopted measures in recent decades, demonstrates its gravitation toward global human rights norms. Nevertheless, distinct forms of government and religious foundations in both Iran and Saudi Arabia have led to somewhat divergent views on human rights issues backed by Islamic principles. This difference has manifested itself in political, economic, cultural, and social domains. Their divergent views are constructed over extensive periods of time, as stressed by the theoretical framework of the present study (i.e., constructivism). Both Iran and Saudi Arabia approach human rights issues from an internal standpoint stemming from religious beliefs, which can be seen as an expression of their national identities.

Keywords
Human Rights
Constructivism
Saudi Arabia
Islamic Republic of Iran
Legitimacy

Subjects

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