نشریه اقتصاد دفاع و توسعه پایدار
پیاپی 15 (بهار 1399)

Energy security can be defined as the ability of an economy to ensure the sustainable supply of energy over time, and at a price level that does not adversely affect the economic performance of that economy. The specific objectives in maintaining energy security are threefold; reducing vulnerability to external threats or pressures, preventing a supply crisis, and minimizing the economic and military impacts of an energy crisis in the event of such a crisis. The security energy supply consists of the constant availability of energy under different circumstances, in sufficient quantities, and at a reasonable price. On the other hand, the security of demand for energy is maintained when on the other side of the market there is a constant and regular demand for energy at competitive prices that at least compensate for the minimum production and transaction costs. Thereby, the maintenance of energy security for Iran as a major producer depends on securing both sides of the market; i.e. demand and supply. Explicitly, energy security for Iran is contingent on the existence of a continuous market with low fluctuations and a reasonable future growth rate. Significantly for the purpose of this paper, military spending could directly or indirectly affect the GDP and energy consumption either positively or negatively. Thus, military spending is a crucial factor in determining energy security through its impact on energy consumption. By this light, the modus operandi of this paper utilizes Panel Data between 1965 and 2018, to examine the impact of military expenditure and economic growth on energy consumption of Iran, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Using the ARDL model, this study examines the effect of economic growth and military expenditure on energy consumption in Iran. The results indicate that the short run effects of the aforementioned variables on energy consumption is positive, and further, finds no long-term relationship between the two. Furthermore, applying Granger’s causality test showed the GDP_ serving to represents economic growth_ as the determinant of energy consumption in Iran. Finally, the paper concludes by proposing solutions to enhance energy security.

The objective of the present paper is to examine the appropriate financial tools for financing the defense sector, specifically, by focusing on the legal barriers preventing the utilization of private sector’s capacity and participation in this field. To achieve this purpose, first, a survey of the opinions of experts in the field was conducted. Thus, optimal financial models were extracted and validated using the multi-criteria decision-making approach and open interviews. Subsequently, based on the data obtained from the questionnaires, the financial models based on The Dayn and Murabaha Sukuk for defense projects were prioritized using the AHP method. The results obtained from running the prioritization models clearly indicate that out of the 5 defined financial models based on The Dayn and Murabaha Sukuk, General Dayn Sukuk is ranked first, and thereafter, Commodity Dayn Sukuk takes the second place. Therefore, in conclusion, this paper proposes prioritizing Dayn-based models over the financial tools based on the Murabaha.

Defense projects in developing countries, by in large, are undertaken by governments in developing countries. Considering that defense projects usually require large amounts of funding; they take up a large portion of governments budgets. As such, the issue of determining the appropriate financing methods and tools for attracting the required financial resources finds its significance. By taking the European Union and the United States as case studies, this paper reviews the financing models of the defense sector through the capital markets; thus accordingly, a financing model through the capital markets for the industries and services related to the defense sector of Iran is proposed. Subsequently, by employing correlation analysis and Panel ARDL model, this paper turns towards examining the relationship between financing methods and the financial performance of listed companies affiliated to the defense sector during the 2001 to 2018 period. The results obtained from model estimations indicate that larger companies have been successful in attracting financial resources through issuing shares or accumulating profits; on the other hand, companies with higher profitability have been more successful in financing through acquiring debt.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing performance-based budgeting in the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the approach of improving productivity. For this purpose, first, through the study of related texts and interviews with budget experts in the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, sufficient knowledge was gained in this field using exploratory analysis method. Then, in order to localize the implementation of performance-based budgeting in the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Shah model, which examines the three factors of "ability", "authority" and "acceptance" in implementing performance-based budgeting, was combined with three factors: "general knowledge", "requirements" and " Executive Steps ", which were the result of studying texts and conducting interviews.The research findings showed that in the field of ability, There is the evaluate performance ability, technical ability and manpower ability In the field of authority, there is not enough procedural and organizational authority, while there is legal authority. In the field of acceptance, none of the three types of acceptance: motivational, political and managerial does not exist. Also in the field of general knowledge, knowledge of performance-based budgeting concepts is not enough, but there is a good familiarity with the concepts of cost. On the other hand, in the field of requirements, determine performance indicators is appropriate, but there is no intellectual inclination and financial support. Finally, a model was designed for the successful implementation of performance-based budgeting in the Armed.

The recent rise in economic confrontations globally, including that of some Western powers with the Islamic Republic of Iran, has heightened beyond conventional norms and transformed into a full-scale economic war. In such circumstances, one has to go beyond the conventional wisdom of the mainstream economic literature based on assumptions of global free-trade and commerce for a realistic analysis of the current state of affairs. In line with the literature in applied research, the methodology of this paper follows exploratory mixed methods design, specifically utilizing modeling typology, to first arrive at a definition of the concept of start-ups, thus subsequently, the paper turns towards analyzing the role of these businesses in a defensive economy. Finally, following cues from the statements of the Supreme Leader and the existing literature, the paper attempts to describe the concepts of ‘resistance economics’ and ‘economic defense’.

The ongoing foreign exchange crises_ whose roots can be traced to the conspiracies of foreign governments_ is among the most significant crises Iran has faced in the last decade. In particular, one can point towards the crucial role played by the foreign media in heightening these crises through intensifying frenzy and sensationalism. Herein, national media can play a pivotal role by acting as a leverage in preventing sensationalism from taking hold of the society, and hence protect the economy through directing public opinion. Towards this end, the objective of the present paper is to make a contribution towards designing a five-dimensional model for managing public opinion during times of crises. The initial cue for this paper came from a review of the exiting literature on the subject and examining the media coverage surrounding the crises. In order to design the model, the methodology of this paper was to initially conduct a questionnaire, and subsequently, analyze the data using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis methods. All criteria pertaining to the fitness of the model were verified by exploratory and confirmatory factor analyzes. Consequently, the results obtained by this paper present a model of public opinion management during currency crises based on five dimensions: notification of the public, public training, monitoring, social solidarity and audience. In conclusion, the paper underlines the role for utilizing social media in times of currency crises, based on the presented model for managing public opinion and thus reducing the frenzy created by foreign media.