Wicked Policy Problems & the Necessity of the Fundamental Revision of Traditional State-Society Relations in Iran

The present theoretical- analytical article aimed at the study of the characteristics of wicked problems & the strategies applied for their management according to the ideas of Rittel and Weber. Based upon some statistical data and secondary analysis method, the article presents some manifestations of wicked problems in contemporary Iran. From the pathological standpoint, the main reason for the wickedness of policy problems is stemmed in the historical and continuous gap and persistent cleavage between state and society. Inspired by theoretical approaches presented in the conceptualization section, it sounds that the collaborative strategy is necessary for the wise and successful management of wicked problems. The strategic implication of this statement is the necessity for whole and profound revision of traditional patterns of state-society relations in Iran and its transformation to participatory, deliberative, collaborative, dialogue-based, non-hierarchical, decentralized and citizen-oriented relationships which its fulfillment in turn necessitates the transformation of state’s functions and the nature of the structure of power in one hand and the behavioral change of citizens in the other hand.