A Comparative Study of the Components of Economic Development in the Foreign Policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Malaysia

The purpose of this study is to compare the government and economic development programs in the Islamic Republic of Iran and Malaysia. Understanding the pillars of power and government and its characteristics in the Islamic Republic of Iran and Malaysia, recognizing the similarities and differences between the factors of progress and development in Iran and Malaysia, understanding the Malaysian development model of Mahathir Mohammad and the Islamic Republic of Iran and providing appropriate strategies for further development and progress in the Republic Islamic Iran are of the other objectives of this research.The research method was analytical-comparative and the results showed that the Islamic Republic of Iran during Hashemi Rafsanjani (1989-1997) with the implementation of the first 5-year development plan and with the emphasis on open economic policy, mostly considered the economic development of the country, but less attention was paid to socio-cultural issues; and Seyyed Mohammad Khatami (2005-2007) while expanding relations with foreign countries, focused more on political development and strengthening of civil institutions inside the country. In both periods, the program was not implemented precisely and parts of it were implemented in accordance with the discourse of governments.But Malaysia during the reign of Mahathir Mohamad succeeded in pursuing its economic growth and development in the best possible way due to: first, following Japan and South Korea models and relying on the policy of having an attitude to the East, and second, creating a legitimate bureaucratic power and a fully developed government, which is measured by the credibility of political experts and scholars. Third, with precise planning and commitment to the program, and fourth, developing relations with neighboring countries and major powers such as the United States to attract foreign investment.