Examining the Obstacles to Building National Self-Confidence after the Development of the COVID-19 Vaccine and Presenting Recommendations to the Islamic Consultative Assembly for Enhancing Its Role in Strengthening National Self-Confidence
Defining national self-confidence precisely, like other social science concepts, is challenging. However, national self-confidence can generally be described as a society’s value-based recognition of itself, emphasizing certain distinctions from other nations. Different countries seek to strengthen national self-confidence through various means. Optimism and hope for the future, preservation of national identity, and the growth of domestic production are among the benefits of self-belief and national self-confidence. One significant event that could have strengthened national self-confidence was the development of the COVID-19 vaccine. Unfortunately, vaccine production in Iran did not achieve its full potential impact on enhancing national self-confidence. Therefore, examining the factors behind this outcome can better prepare the country to face potential future crises.
Analysis of Twitter and Instagram Content During the COVID-19 Vaccine Development Period
Between January and October 2021, Twitter and Instagram content about Iran’s COVID-19 vaccine was heavily politicized, with opposition narratives dominating. Early bans on Western vaccine imports were framed as unscientific, delays in domestic production fueled dissatisfaction, and by late 2021 the technological achievements were overshadowed. This environment prevented the vaccine from boosting national self-confidence.
Examining the Obstacles to Building National Self-Confidence after the Development of the COVID-19 Vaccine
After Iran developed its own COVID-19 vaccine, the politicization of the issue prevented this technological achievement from boosting national self-confidence. Opposition media framed the ban on importing Western vaccines as politically motivated, and the failure of officials to clearly explain the scientific basis of the decision led to public misunderstandings. Additionally, domestic media were weak in promoting the success of the Iranian vaccine, and the role of U.S. sanctions in limiting vaccine access was downplayed, hindering the growth of national pride.
Proposed legislative, supervisory, and political measures
Parliament can boost national self-confidence in future crises by ensuring timely accountability, preventing politicization, appointing a trusted spokesperson, investigating relevant organizations, forming a special vaccine commission, and defending public rights internationally.
This study was conducted at Islamic Parliament Research Center Of The Islamic Republic Of IRAN by Mohsen Radadi and Alireza Haddadi in 2024.
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