Papers by Mostafa Bostani
British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, 2024
This paper examines the influence of the discourse of exceptionality of Iran on contemporary Iran... more This paper examines the influence of the discourse of exceptionality of Iran on contemporary Iranian thought, particularly its intricate relationship with the ideology of nationalism. It focuses on the scholarly contributions of Javad Tabatabai (1945–2023), whose work has significantly impacted recent Iranian intellectual debates in both academic and broader public discussions on Iranian nationhood and identity. The paper traces the evolution of Tabatabai’s work from its initial philosophical-theoretical foundation aimed at addressing the ‘problem of Iran’ to its final emphasis on Iran’s exceptional nature, reflecting a nationalist-exceptionalist perspective. By examining the ‘power of exception’ and its utilization in history and social science disciplines, the paper illustrates how claims of exceptionality wield rhetorical influence despite lacking empirical support in scholarly discourse. It argues that Tabatabai’s historiographical assumptions are shaped by a combination of historical exceptionalism and ‘methodological nationalism’. Drawing from insights in Global History, the paper challenges these assumptions in favour of more integrative perspectives. It advocates for transcending the confines of ‘national history’, and explores the possibility of contending historical and contemporary inquiries of Iranian nationhood and identity without succumbing to the charm of exceptionalist narratives.
Some scholars suggest that the European Union (EU) is a 'Normative Power' and its foreign... more Some scholars suggest that the European Union (EU) is a 'Normative Power' and its foreign policy is based on the norms and principles which have shaped and consolidated the EU itself. Such principles include the norms of international law such as the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons. The controversial Iranian nuclear program has appeared as a test for the EU normative foreign policy. This paper tries to assess to what extent the EU has been successful in conducting the normative principles of its foreign policy regarding Iran's nuclear program. The research identifies a major obstacle that challenges the EU normative foreign policy. When the United States follows non-normative policies that stand in contrast with the EU normative ones, it negatively affects the EU capacity to follow its normative approach.
Young Journal of European Affairs (YJEA), 2021
Some scholars suggest that the European Union (EU) is a global actor, and its foreign policy is b... more Some scholars suggest that the European Union (EU) is a global actor, and its foreign policy is based on the norms and principles that have shaped and consolidated the EU itself. Reviewing the current literature on the Normative Power Europe notion and using Natalie Tocci's framework to assess normativity in foreign policy, this paper investigates to what extent the EU has been capable of independently formulating and effectively implementing its normative foreign policy on the case of the Iranian nuclear program since 2003, where the EU has sought to make Iran abide by the international law norm of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. The research identifies that the formation and implementation of EU normative policies have been mainly challenged by the Realpolitik of the US, driving the EU to adopt non-normative policies or leading to embarrassing instances of inaction in the EU foreign policy for which normative power approaches offer less explanatory power. Concomitantly, the research illustrates how over time, the EU has shown greater determination to act autonomously on the Iranian nuclear profile.
Comparative Law Review, 2016
Mudaraba is an old method of finance and trade. Comparative historical studies show that Mudarab... more Mudaraba is an old method of finance and trade. Comparative historical studies show that Mudaraba and a very similar European institution that appeared first in the 12th century in Italy and then in all Europe i.e. Commenda, had a very important role in the history of trade; especially in maritime trade of middle ages. From 16th century it gradually started to lose its importance and was then replaced by corporation in the Western trade, while at the same time there was no sign of such development in the Middle East and the Islamic world. In this essay, we discuss the origin of Mudaraba, its importance in the history of trade, and the causes for its appearance and come down, understanding that the non-recognition of legal personality was the major obstacle of the Islamic law to establish corporations
Critical Analysis of Kaldor-Hicks Efficiency Criterion, with Respect to Moral Values, Social Policy Making and Incoherence, 2012
The concept of efficiency has great importance in the literature of law and economics. Amongst di... more The concept of efficiency has great importance in the literature of law and economics. Amongst different efficiency criteria, Kaldor-Hicks Efficiency Criterion has received several positive and negative comments. A fundamental issue in economic analysis of law is to change laws for obtaining more efficient laws. Kaldor-Hicks criterion claims that in certain circumstances, it is possible to change available rules for obtaining more economic benefit and efficiency, while this change may create loss to some specific groups. This question has specific practical importance; since, legal and social decisions should be made according to advantages and disadvantages and their impact on different classes of society. In fact, those suggesting this criterion have offered a rule for making collective decisions that are not applicable by Pareto criterion. In this regard, Kaldor-Hicks criterion is observed as basis for making social decisions and changing laws. However, applying this criterion has other consequences as well that attracts critical attentions. The present article attempts to evaluate these critiques with respect to technical issues and incoherence, moral principles, political decision making and social justice.
Conference Presentations by Mostafa Bostani
Iranian Studies Unit Fourth Annual Conference The Social Sciences and Humanities in Iran: Possibilities and Constraints 9-10 October 2024
An exploration of the fascinating intellectual journey of Javad Tabatabai, a central figure in I... more An exploration of the fascinating intellectual journey of Javad Tabatabai, a central figure in Iran’s debates on nationhood, identity, and the indigenization of knowledge, unraveling his early critique of nativist claims, and his rejection of the possibility of indigenous social sciences within Islamic civilization, and the dramatic shift in his later works toward advocating a uniquely "national" academic framework in Iran.
We explore his “theory of Iran,” and examine how Tabatabai's work reflects the broader tensions between national identity and knowledge production in contemporary Iran. By unpacking Tabatabai’s contradictory legacy, we’ll shed light on the enduring Iranian quest to reconcile tradition, modernity, and academic indigenization.
Presentation at Tenth European Conference of Iranian Studies ECIS 10
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Papers by Mostafa Bostani
Conference Presentations by Mostafa Bostani
We explore his “theory of Iran,” and examine how Tabatabai's work reflects the broader tensions between national identity and knowledge production in contemporary Iran. By unpacking Tabatabai’s contradictory legacy, we’ll shed light on the enduring Iranian quest to reconcile tradition, modernity, and academic indigenization.
We explore his “theory of Iran,” and examine how Tabatabai's work reflects the broader tensions between national identity and knowledge production in contemporary Iran. By unpacking Tabatabai’s contradictory legacy, we’ll shed light on the enduring Iranian quest to reconcile tradition, modernity, and academic indigenization.