The Case for a Joint Executive Branch During Iran's Transitional Period
 

Introduction
 

As Iran faces the potential collapse of the Islamic Republic due to internal uprisings, the nation is likely to enter a precarious transitional phase. In such a scenario, an authority vacuum may emerge, posing significant risks, including factionalism, opportunistic political behavior, and civil unrest. To safeguard Iran's stability and security during this critical time, a Joint Executive Branch system is proposed. This system would consist of two distinct but complementary councils, designed to distribute authority effectively, limit political manipulation, and lay the groundwork for a stable democratic future.
 

What is a Joint Executive Branch System?
 

The Joint Executive Branch system is a transitional governance model that divides responsibilities between two councils, each managing different aspects of national affairs. This division ensures that essential functions are maintained without overburdening any single entity, thereby reducing the likelihood of factional control and conflict.
 

• Homeland Council:
  Tasked with overseeing national security, defense, macroeconomic policies, and the management of major infrastructure and resources. It would be responsible for maintaining territorial integrity, public order, and the stability of critical infrastructure. The council would command military and police forces while managing strategic projects to rebuild the state apparatus.
   

• Public Council:
  Focused on social services, healthcare, local economic development, and reconstruction efforts. The Welfare Council would prioritize citizen welfare, address immediate social needs, and work towards rebuilding trust in government institutions. It would also engage with civil society to promote cohesive and inclusive governance.
   

Reza Pahlavi, leveraging his popularity, would play an active role in coordinating the Joint Executive Branch. Serving as the General Coordinator, he would chair key coordinating committees to oversee the activities of both councils, ensuring alignment on strategic goals. His leadership would provide continuity and authority, helping to unify the transitional executive branch under a shared vision.
 

The Benefits of a Joint Executive Branch System
 

• Distributing Authority to Mitigate Factional Tensions:
  By dividing responsibilities between two councils, the system prevents the centralization of authority, reducing the risk of domination by any single faction. This balance helps mitigate the likelihood of power struggles and discourages political groups from inciting unrest.

• Focused Governance to Limit Political Manipulation:
  Each council would have clearly defined roles, making it difficult for any group to manipulate the entire executive branch. The Stability Council would handle security and major infrastructure, while the Welfare Council would attend to the population's immediate needs.

• Engaging Multiple Stakeholders for a Broader Coalition:
  The system allows for participation from various political factions, promoting a broader coalition and reducing the motivation for any party to disrupt the transition. Smaller parties could contribute through specific roles in the Welfare Council, focusing on reconstruction and social initiatives.

• The General Coordinator’s Leadership as a Stabilizing Force:
  The General Coordinator’s active involvement in chairing committees and guiding the Joint Executive Branch would ensure that both councils stay focused on shared objectives. His leadership would also help mediate disputes and align strategic priorities across the councils.

• Enhancing Public Perception and Legitimacy:
  A structured division of responsibilities, coupled with visible leadership, would present the transitional executive branch as organized and determined, avoiding the chaos often associated with regime changes. This would boost public confidence and make it more challenging for opportunists to exploit the situation for political gain.
   

Execution Strategy for the Joint Executive Branch Approach
 

• Timeline and Transition Management:
  The Joint Executive Branch system is intended as a temporary measure, with a planned duration of 3 to 5 years. Key phases would include constitutional reform, national elections, and the gradual merging of the two councils into a single permanent executive branch. The General Coordinator’s coordinating committees would play a central role in overseeing the transition, ensuring that each phase is executed according to the established timeline and objectives.

• Coordinated Operations Between Councils:
  Joint committees chaired by the General Coordinator would manage tasks with overlapping responsibilities, such as major infrastructure projects. This arrangement would facilitate coordination and transparency, ensuring alignment among all stakeholders.

• Integration with Military and Security Forces:
  The IRGC would be restructured by integrating loyal members into a reformed military under the Stability Council’s supervision, ensuring alignment with the principles of the new executive branch. Transitional security forces from both councils would be formed to manage civil unrest and respond to emergencies, with the General Coordinator overseeing strategic coordination to maintain order.
   

Addressing Risks and Mitigations
 

• Political Fragmentation:
  The system's design prevents monopolization of authority by distributing power across different councils. Including representatives from various political parties in advisory roles would ensure inclusiveness and help mitigate the risk of fragmentation.

• Foreign Interference (Russia and China):
  Given their strategic interests, Russia and China may resist regime change. The General Coordinator’s role as a respected figure could be leveraged to engage diplomatic channels and reduce the risk of foreign intervention.

• Public Discontent and Social Unrest:
  The Welfare Council would prioritize immediate social needs by delivering essential services and welfare programs to address public grievances. The General Coordinator’s efforts in communicating the executive branch’s initiatives would help build public trust.
   

Conclusion
 

The Joint Executive Branch system, guided by the General Coordinator's active coordination, offers a balanced and pragmatic approach to managing Iran's transition during a turbulent period. By dividing governance responsibilities between the Stability and Welfare Councils and involving the General Coordinator as a central unifying figure, the framework addresses the dual priorities of security and public welfare, preventing the concentration of authority and internal conflict. This approach provides flexibility to adapt to evolving circumstances, reduces the risk of civil war, and prepares the nation for a stable democratic future.
 

Recommendations
 

Adopt the Joint Executive Branch approach during Iran's transitional phase, with the General Coordinator leading:

• Coordinating committees to oversee council activities.

• A clear division of responsibilities to ensure focused governance.

A phased integration into a unified executive branch within 3 to 5 years.

Bibliography

1. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “Managing Transition in Unstable Regions.” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Available at: https://carnegieendowment.org/

2. RAND Corporation. “Transition and Post-Conflict Reconstruction.” RAND Corporation. Available at: https://www.rand.org/

3. Brookings Institution. “Security and Governance in Transitioning States.” Brookings Institution. Available at: https://www.brookings.edu/

4. International Crisis Group. “Managing Factionalism in Transitional Governments.” International Crisis Group. Available at: https://www.crisisgroup.org/

5. Council on Foreign Relations. “Foreign Influence in Middle Eastern Transitional States.” Council on Foreign Relations. Available at: https://www.cfr.org/

6. Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF). “Cooperative Governance and Security Sector Reform.” Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance. Available at: https://dcaf.ch/

7. National Democratic Institute (NDI). “Enhancing Public Trust in Transitional Governments.” National Democratic Institute. Available at: https://www.ndi.org/