Editorial Principles

Iran & Global Affairs is guided by a commitment to rigorous inquiry, intellectual independence, and open debate. We publish arguments rather than political messaging, and we judge contributions by the quality of their evidence, reasoning, and contribution to understanding.

Liberal Democracy & Pluralism

We regard individual liberty, political pluralism, the rule of law, democratic accountability, and human dignity as fundamental principles of a free political order. At the same time, contributors are not required to share a single political outlook. Serious disagreement is essential to intellectual life.

Intellectual Independence

Iran & Global Affairs is independent of governments, political parties, opposition movements, interest groups, and donors. Editorial decisions are made on intellectual and editorial grounds, not political affiliation or conformity.

Empirical Seriousness

Claims should be grounded in evidence. We value careful use of data, historical sources, comparative experience, institutional knowledge, and clearly stated reasoning. Assertions should be open to scrutiny and revision.

Intellectual Pluralism

We welcome strong arguments from different intellectual and political traditions. Our purpose is not to manufacture consensus, but to create space for informed disagreement in which competing claims can be examined seriously.

Political Realism

Good analysis must take power seriously. We encourage contributors to examine interests, incentives, capabilities, constraints, strategic interaction, and unintended consequences, not simply intentions or desired outcomes.

Institutions Matter

Political and economic outcomes depend not only on individuals and ideas, but on institutions, rules, organizations, incentives, and state capacity. We therefore place particular emphasis on how institutions shape what governments and societies can actually do.

Constructive Argument

Criticism is most useful when it clarifies alternatives, trade-offs, and consequences. We encourage contributors not only to identify problems, but to explain what different choices would entail and what constraints any proposed solution would face.

Historical & Cultural Depth

Iran cannot be understood through contemporary politics alone. History, art, literature, architecture, intellectual life, heritage, and cultural memory are integral to understanding the country and its place in the world.

Our Editorial Ethos

Our approach can be summarized through three simple commitments:

Rigorous Ideas: think carefully.
Serious Argument: speak clearly.
Consequential Policy: consider what follows.

Together, these principles reflect our ambition to create a forum in which serious thought can contribute to better public and policy debate about Iran and the world.