The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works: A Cultural Security Perspective

Cultural security encompasses a broad and diverse range of aspects. To safeguard this, states implement comprehensive strategies such as communication restrictions, national culture promotion, and the development of educational programs. Additionally, the membership of the international treaties and conventions is another measure to reinforce the regulation of cultural consumption, thereby enhancing cultural security.Numerous international treaties and conventions exist to safeguard and bolster the cultural heritage of nations. Among these, the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works stands out as a significant one, with widespread global participation. This convention primarily aims to establish fundamental principles for copyright protection and to uphold the rights of copyright holders. In essence, it seeks to advocate for creators in the realms of science and culture. However, the convention also plays a crucial role in regulating and overseeing the consumption of cultural and artistic products. This, in turn, can have significant implications, either strengthening or undermining a country’s cultural security.This study tries to explain the consequences of accepting the Berne Convention on the cultural security of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Also, a proper strategy is suggested so that it fits the daily needs of Iranian society and has a positive effect on its cultural security.

Initially, available resources concerning the repercussions of Iran’s accession to the Berne Convention were identified, and 330 arguments from both proponents and critics were extracted. These items were subsequently categorized into 15 overarching themes using a ‘Thematic Analysis’ approach. These themes served as the foundation for a ‘descriptive and analytical review’ of the Berne Convention’s impact on Iran’s cultural security. In this context, the viewpoints of proponents and critics were analyzed across seven dimensions: cultural access, per capita cultural consumption, resistance to cultural imperialism, protection of national interests, cultural independence and self-sufficiency, innovation and creativity, and jurisprudential issues.

For the authors of this study, the paramount consideration is the compelling argument put forth by proponents of the Berne Convention, as compared to its critics. They assert that by joining this convention, the Islamic Republic of Iran can acquire significant tools to fortify national identity and ward off cultural encroachment. This is primarily because the convention encompasses regulations and frameworks that can assist the state in cultivating and propagating Iranian-Islamic culture, while simultaneously curbing the illicit trafficking and consumption of Western media products.Conversely, if the Berne Convention is not accepted, foreign cultural products could become widely accessible at low cost or even free of charge. This could lead to a surge in the smuggling and consumption of such products, which are often laden with colonial ideological indoctrination. With the rapid advancement of communication technologies, this issue could escalate, leading to more severe consequences. It could engender a sense of despair within society, hinder social cohesion and unity, and give rise to various cultural and social crises.Advocates also argue that joining this convention is a means of safeguarding the nation’s public and national interests. It lays the groundwork for global cooperation through cultural and scientific exchange, fostering the country’s cultural, artistic, and scientific growth. By enhancing these conditions domestically, it opens avenues for international engagement and draws greater attention to Iranian-Islamic culture. Overall, it paves the way for the development of a cultural and artistic economic market, thereby strengthening and shaping the country’s cultural system.

This study concludes that the Berne Convention can serve as an international legal framework for achieving the country’s social and cultural objectives, as well as enhancing its cultural security conditions. Therefore, to further bolster cultural security and foster the growth of the nation’s cultural system, it is recommended that policymakers facilitate the necessary coordination among cultural, artistic, and scientific institutions for the country’s accession to this convention.