Articulation of Political Trust in Imam Khomeini's Thought

Trust has long been emphasized by theoreticians of social and political science, from John Locke and Alexis de Torcqueville to Robert D. Putnam and civil society theoreticians. In this paper, attempts have been made to clarify theoretical bases and articulation of the concept of political thought in view and words of Imam Khomeini relying upon a post-structural approach as well as Laclau and Mouffe's theory of discourse analysis. To that end, we have first explained the theoretical basis, discourse method, and discourse analysis and then showed that how one can picture the propeller and repelling indicators and components of political trust with an emphasis on Imam Khomeini's teachings. To clarify these components, Imam Khomeini's thought and discourse were reviewed in Sahifeh-ye Imam. The study marked aspects and components that have positive influence on political trust and political participation, hence they must be reinforced as advantageous and propeller factors. On the other hand, the negative aspects of the state's behavior and strategy were identified as the deterrent factors to realization of trust. These negative aspects function as repellent and reduce political trust of the nation on the government. These are shortfalls that must be either reformed or prevented from emergence.