Discourse Analysis of Struggle in the Views of Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani Based on Norman Fairclough's Theory (1958-1979

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student in Shiraz University, Shiraz,, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

3 Professor of Political Science, Department of Political Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

This article analyzes the discourse of struggle in the pre-revolutionary statements of Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani between 1337 and 1357 (1958–1978). By integrating three methodological frameworks—sociology of knowledge, qualitative content analysis (based on Yin-Yang and Shannon’s theories), and Norman Fairclough’s critical discourse analysis—the findings reveal that Rafsanjani’s discourse was structured around dual oppositions: “imperialism versus independence,” “despotism versus constitutionalism,” and “Marxism versus Islam.” This discourse evolved in two phases: from 1337–1344, it took the form of ideological and cultural critique; from 1344–1357, it shifted toward organized political activism through collaboration with intellectuals, students, religious activists, and armed resistance groups. While critiquing the Pahlavi regime as an instrument of imperialism, Rafsanjani positioned the clergy as the driving force of resistance and emphasized cultural struggle as the core of opposition—reserving armed struggle only as a last resort under necessity. The findings demonstrate that this discourse was not merely ideological but functioned as a pragmatic, strategic framework for social transformation. It dialectically interacted with historical conditions and power structures to shape Rafsanjani’s political-resistance identity. By addressing significant gaps in existing literature, this study offers a comprehensive and nuanced account of the evolution of Rafsanjani’s pre-revolutionary discourse. . . . . . . . .

Keywords

References

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