ADOPTION OF RESISTANCE ECONOMY AND IRAN'S DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL SANCTION REGIME, 2005-2013

Abstract

This study investigated the adoption of the doctrine of resistance economy and Iran's development under the international sanction regime between 2005 and 2013. It is set to examine if the resistance economic principles sustained Iran's development despite the enforcement of the international sanctions between 2005 and 2013, and also determine how the policy goals of the doctrine contributed to Iran's development especially in the areas of trade, finances and foreign investment. The time series research design was employed to guide the study. The data for the study were generated mainly from secondary source, which are documentaries from available literatures on the subject matter. Data in the study were analyzed using content analysis technique while Resistance economic policy model was adopted as theoretical framework. The study found that the resistant economic policy became a survival strategy that helped the Iranian people to cope with the impact of the international sanctions in their daily lives. Iran witnessed
growth in trade, finance and foreign investment. The country shifted from an oil-based economy to an inward-oriented, knowledge-based economy. Based on these findings, the study recommended the following: that an immediate lifting of economic sanctions on Iran especially on the imports and exports of sensitive goods. Economic cooperation instead of confrontation should be encouraged between Iran and the West as a way to advance the interests of all sides. 3). Strengthening of the democratic forces in Iran in order to facilitate the emergence of a more democratic and secular Iran that would not seek nuclear weapons.