Explaining the Approach of Good Urban Governance in Smart Cities through a Comparison of Western Perspectives and Indigenous Thought

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Architecture, Qom University, Qom, Iran

2 Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

A B S T R A C T
One of the major challenges of today’s cities is the lack of efficient planning and management. To address this issue, new approaches such as good governance and smart cities have emerged, although they are mainly rooted in Western thought and may not be fully suitable for cities with an Islamic worldview. The present study aims to explain the philosophical foundations—ontology, anthropology, and epistemology—of good urban governance as a core component of smart cities, by comparing the perspectives of Brian McLoughlin and Allameh Tabatabaei. Using a descriptive–analytical method and documentary research through content analysis, the study identifies logical relationships and differences between the two viewpoints. The findings reveal that Western good governance is primarily based on liberalism and humanism, overlooking the spiritual and transcendental aspects of human life, while Tabatabaei’s Islamic approach emphasizes divine principles, spiritual values, and comprehensive human development. The research concludes that by localizing the concept of good governance according to the Islamic worldview, it can be effectively applied in Islamic cities, thereby facilitating the realization of other dimensions of smart cities.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
In recent decades, the concepts of “good governance” and “smart city” have gained prominence in urban management discourses. While good governance, introduced by institutions such as the World Bank, emphasizes accountability, transparency, participation, and rule of law, the smart city paradigm focuses on improving citizens’ quality of life through the integration of technology and governance. However, these models are deeply rooted in Western liberal and humanist thought, which does not fully align with Islamic worldviews. This study seeks to address this gap by comparing the philosophical foundations (ontology, anthropology, and epistemology) of good governance in the thought of Brian McLoughlin, the first Western theorist in this field, with those of the Islamic scholar Allameh Tabatabaei, in order to propose a localized conceptual model for Islamic cities.
 
Methodology
The research adopts a descriptive–analytical approach with a qualitative, documentary-based method. Data were collected through a systematic review of relevant sources, and content analysis was applied to identify logical connections, differences, and complementarities between the two perspectives. The research framework is based on a comparative philosophical analysis of governance concepts in Western and Islamic contexts.
 
Results and discussion
Findings indicate significant philosophical differences between McLoughlin’s and Tabatabaei’s views. From the Western perspective, good governance is shaped by liberalism and humanism, prioritizing material development and relying on sensory-based epistemology, while neglecting spiritual and transcendental dimensions of human existence. In contrast, Tabatabaei emphasizes divine origin and destination, the centrality of God in governance, and the integration of spiritual, rational, and revelatory sources of knowledge. His approach highlights the holistic development of both material and spiritual aspects of human life. The study demonstrates that adopting Western models without localization may lead to incompatibility with Islamic values and governance principles.
 
Conclusion
The comparison reveals that Western good governance cannot be directly applied to Islamic cities due to its neglect of metaphysical and religious dimensions. By utilizing Tabatabaei’s theory of “I’tibariyat” (considered propositions), the research proposes a localized model of good governance adapted for Islamic contexts. This model emphasizes accountability not only to citizens but also to God, adherence to divine law alongside civil law, and transparency based on truthfulness and spiritual growth. The localized framework ensures that good governance in Islamic cities supports both material progress and spiritual development, thereby laying the groundwork for the effective realization of smart city initiatives.
 
Funding
There is no funding support.
 
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.

Keywords

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Future City, Indigenous Thought
Volume 1, Issue 2
November 2025
Pages 27-41

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