Abstract
Good governance has emerged as a central concept in policymaking and public administration, particularly since the 1990s. The principles of good governance include transparency, accountability, participation, rule of law, and social justice, each essential to sustainable development and societal advancement. These elements establish the foundation for improving citizens' quality of life and achieving sustainable national security, as good governance is inherently tied to public trust and citizen satisfaction. In different nations, adherence to good governance principles has direct and indirect effects on national security, and Iran is no exception. This article seeks to analyze the quality of governance in Iran from 1368 to 1400 and examine its effects on the country’s sustainable national security. The core research question is: How have elements of good governance impacted sustainable national security in governmental policymaking? The hypothesis of this research proposes that Iran's unbalanced and incomplete implementation of good governance elements has led to significant risks and challenges across various security dimensions, including environmental, economic, political, and socio-cultural issues.
Keywords: Iran, Good Governance, Kaufmann, Trust, Rule of Law.
 
Introduction
Good governance has been a central concept in policymaking and public administration, particularly since the 1990s. The fundamental principles of good governance—transparency, accountability, participation, rule of law, and social justice—play a crucial role in sustainable development and societal progress. These elements provide the foundation for improving citizens' quality of life and achieving sustainable national security. In different nations, adherence to good governance principles has direct and indirect effects on national security, and Iran is no exception.
 
Materials & Methods
This study aims to analyze the quality of governance in Iran from 1368 to 1400 and its impact on sustainable national security. The central research question is: How have the elements of good governance influenced sustainable national security in governmental policymaking? The hypothesis suggests that Iran's unbalanced and incomplete implementation of good governance principles has led to significant risks and challenges across multiple security dimensions, including environmental, economic, political, and socio-cultural issues.
 
Discussion & Result
Good governance is essential for establishing stability and ensuring national security. In Iran, the incomplete application of governance principles has resulted in economic instability, unemployment, inflation, and social crises. Key elements of good governance and their influence on Iran’s sustainable national security include:
Transparency: A fundamental principle that reduces corruption and fosters public trust. In Iran, inefficiencies in transparency, especially within government sectors, have led to a climate of corruption and social distrust, posing a threat to national security.
Accountability: Critical for ensuring public security and welfare. The Iranian government’s failure to adequately respond to citizens' needs has weakened public trust and increased the sense of detachment among citizens, contributing to instability.
Participation: Although efforts have been made to enhance public participation, they have largely been insufficient. The exclusion of citizens from decision-making has resulted in feelings of alienation, reducing social cohesion and threatening national security.
Rule of Law: Weak enforcement of legal frameworks has exacerbated social and economic inequalities, undermining justice and social equity. This has fueled dissatisfaction and distrust, ultimately posing a significant challenge to national stability.
Social Justice: Unequal distribution of resources and lack of equal access to opportunities have increased public dissatisfaction and deepened class divisions, further jeopardizing the country’s national security.
Decades of weak governance in Iran have led to severe national security concerns, including:Weak Economy: The unbalanced implementation of governance principles has hindered economic growth and increased unemployment, leading to social discontent.Chronic Inflation and Economic Crisis: Persistent inflation and economic instability have reduced purchasing power and created financial challenges for citizens, fueling distrust in the government.Environmental Crisis and Water Shortages: Insufficient attention to environmental issues has resulted in serious water shortages and degradation of natural resources, increasing the potential for future security tensions. Brain Drain: The lack of sufficient employment and social opportunities has driven many skilled individuals to emigrate, weakening national development and security. Declining Social Trust: The erosion of public trust in government institutions has significantly undermined social cohesion, increasing the risk of social instability.
 
Conclusion
The incomplete implementation of good governance principles in Iran has had profound implications for national security by exacerbating economic, social, and political challenges. Strengthening transparency, accountability, participation, and the rule of law is essential for ensuring long-term stability and sustainable national security.