Zero-sum game beliefs and patriotism among Iranians

Document Type : Original

Authors

Department of Iranian Studies, Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

This research examined whether there was a correlation between belief in a zero-sum game and patriotism in an Iranian sample of 406 survey participants. The international literature suggests that belief in a zero-sum game is relatively high among Iranians. International studies differentiate patriotism from nationalism on the basis that only the former includes a comparative valuation of one’s own country as being better than any other. However, there is little research differentiating forms of nationalism among Iranians. In order to maximize comparability, a survey based on existing international scales measuring belief in a zero-sum game, nationalism and patriotism was developed and distributed online to Iranians in 2019. Parametric statistical analysis of the results did not identify a relationship between belief in a zero-sum game and patriotism. In contrast to the existing literature, respondents displayed a tendency not to believe in a zero-sum game. The respondents showed strong affiliation with their country. However, rather than respondents displaying either nationalism or patriotism, there was a clear correlation between responses to the nationalism and patriotism survey questions. Parametric statistical analysis was employed to offer some hypotheses about different forms of nationalism indicated by the survey results. However, as a completely random sample was not obtained, the results cannot be applied to the general Iranian population with the certainly level of 95 percent anticipated. Further research is needed to develop a valid and widely applicable method of differentiating forms of Iranian nationalism.

Keywords

Main Subjects

حوزة موضوعی: ایران

Scope: Iran

References

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Journal of Countries Studies
Volume 1, Issue 3
2023
Pages 353-380

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History

  • Receive Date: 29 January 2023
  • Revise Date: 16 March 2023
  • Accept Date: 24 April 2023

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