The Nature of the System of Domination in the Epistemic Architecture of Ayatollah Khamenei

Ghorbani, Saeed

doi:10.22034/irsj.2026.243547

The Nature of the System of Domination in the Epistemic Architecture of Ayatollah Khamenei

Document Type : Original Article

Author

saeed ghorbani

Assistant Professor of Human Sciences and Cultural Studies Research Institute, Tehran, Iran.

10.22034/irsj.2026.243547

Abstract

The international system is depicted, on the basis of the intellectual and behavioral foundations of the system of domination, as structured around two axes: the dominator and the dominated. The concept of domination seeks to appropriate the resources, interests, cultural identity, political structures, and other vital dimensions of dominated systems in accordance with its own intellectual premises, extracting maximum concessions from subordinated entities. This research, employing thematic analysis and drawing upon the statements of Ayatollah Khamenei, aims to uncover, extract, and analyze the essential nature and constitutive components of the system of domination. The central question is: What are the components shaping the nature of the system of domination within Ayatollah Khamenei’s epistemic framework? The findings indicate that, according to his perspective, the system of domination—rooted in an inherent spirit of arrogance—is characterized by materialism and the marginalization of spirituality, division and fragmentation, exploitation, expansionism, breach of commitments, injustice, impiety, and similar traits. The conclusion drawn is that the system of domination constitutes a totalizing and unilateral order that defines all existing interests in the universe according to its own benefit and implicitly claims a proprietary right over them. The constitutive components of the system of domination are structured around this core principle.

Keywords

Ayatollah Khamenei

System of domination

Colonialism

Intellectual architecture

Dominator

Dominated