The Theory of the Guardianship of the Jurist as a Mechanical or Organic System

Based on the principles of Islamic governance and the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the institution of the Guardianship of the Jurist (wilāyat al-faqīh) is not considered an independent branch alongside the three traditional branches of government. Rather, the executive, legislative, and judicial branches are formed within the framework of the will and oversight of the Supreme Leader (Jurist Guardian), interacting with each other. In this model, while the three branches enjoy relative independence, they are coordinated under the leadership of the Supreme Leader. According to this theory, the sovereignty
and leadership belong to the jurist, who stands at the top of the power structure, and the legitimacy of all system components derives from him. The Supreme Leader serves as a central figure for the unity of society and government, overseeing the performance of government officials and assuming responsibility for the macro-level policy-making and guidance of the system. The political system of the Islamic Republic, which is based on the theory of the Guardianship of the Jurist, can be analyzed both as a mechanical system and as an organic system. In mechanical systems, the components operate based on inherent laws and internal structure, having a stable and static framework. Such a system, with its centralization and formality, is designed for the execution of uniform tasks and precise control of plans, showing less flexibility in response to unforeseen changes. On the other hand, organic systems, with their dynamism and flexibility similar to living systems, engage in complex interactions and relationships with their environment, enabling them to respond to changing and unpredictable conditions. This concentration of power and leadership within the institution of the Guardianship of the Jurist has led some to question whether the political system of the Islamic Republic is, in essence, a mechanical system or an organic one. I argue that the Guardianship of the Jurist system is a combination of both types and benefits from the advantages of each. In this combination, the Islamic Republic system draws on the stability and permanence of the mechanical system to maintain cohesion, while also leveraging the flexibility of the organic system to adapt to social and political changes. This article, through an analytical approach, aims to explore this claim and demonstrate how the theory of the Guardianship of the Jurist, as a hybrid system, allows for the application of both stable and flexible management principles, thereby responding to the diverse needs of the Islamic society.