Since ancient times, scholars and researchers have consistently emphasized that for the implementation of state policies and governance, there is a necessary need for guidance based on scientific ideas that direct the proper path of the state and its citizens toward progress, ensure the security of society, and promote the welfare of the people. Philosophers of Ancient Greece, including Plato and Aristotle, were pioneers in this area, and their ideas were later developed by Eastern thinkers such as Abu Nasr al-Farabi, the great Tajik philosopher Ibn Sina, ethicists and political scholars like Kaykavus and Nizam al-Mulk, among others.
Fortunately, in the era of independence, relying on the intellectual legacy of predecessors and introducing fresh and comprehensive ideas by the historical figure of modern national development—the Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon—a special school of national statehood was formed, centered precisely on these ideas: the revival of national statehood, ensuring societal security, and the welfare of every citizen.
The statehood school of the Leader of the Nation has comprehensive and qualitatively new content. Based on its core principles, politicians, political scientists, scholars, and researchers of the country have made significant scientific contributions to the practical implementation of the school’s prudent and well-founded policies, as well as to the development of its theoretical foundations. One of the prominent figures in this process is S. S. Yatimov—a Doctor of Political Science, Professor, and Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan—who in his research consistently emphasizes the theoretical and practical significance of the Leader’s school of statehood, expressing valuable ideas regarding the development of national statehood, ensuring its security, and engaging citizens in strengthening the foundations of a secular, law-based state. Clear evidence of this is presented in his “Thoughts and Theses,” selected from the series “Works” and published in Issue 16 of Narodnaya Gazeta (April 16, 2025).
The content of these thoughts and theses is comprehensive, covering issues such as the individual and personality, nation and state, the role of the Leader of the Nation in modern Tajik statehood, national interests and security, international relations, economic development, and other critical issues of political and social life. Additionally, excerpts from S. S. Yatimov’s Works discuss religious worldview, and the role of teachers and science in the development of personality and society. Here, we aim to draw the reader’s attention to some important aspects of these issues.
As is well known, humans have always been considered the standard of all knowledge, and ancient and modern thinkers regarded the fully developed human as a “microcosm.” However, not every person, but one who has developed in a healthy social environment and reached the level of personality, deserves such a title. In this regard, S. S. Yatimov writes with justification:
"It is precisely the Personality that leads the state (or nation) from the turbulence of political life, social and economic difficulties, military threats, and attempts to impose foreign culture to the shore of hope."
In the views of the well-known political scientist S. S. Yatimov, the concept of “personality” is closely linked to the Leader of the Nation. This historical figure of the independence era possesses all the characteristics of a complete leader and is considered the founder of the national statehood school, encompassing all political, social, scientific, cultural, spiritual, and moral spheres, and grounded in strong ideas for ensuring national security. This school is recognized not only domestically but also at the regional and international levels and is regarded as a valuable experience. Therefore, S. S. Yatimov emphasizes:
"It is important that this experience be thoroughly studied and examined, and applied in the present and future."
It is noteworthy that in his speeches and writings, S. S. Yatimov pays special attention to the role of science and education in forming a healthy personality and an advanced society, emphasizing their role in shaping scientific thought and worldview. In his view, accurate information reflects reality in human consciousness, and without proper content, quality of transmission, and correct mechanisms for conveying it, the development of science is impossible.
"Without science, neither society nor the state can develop," he writes.
Information in all spheres—political, economic, educational, healthcare, etc.—is essential and is acquired precisely through science. Science also plays a major role in organizing the information system and providing it to society.
"State security without science is an empty, meaningless phrase," says S. S. Yatimov.
In the modern world, only a self-aware personality can contribute to the development of society, the state, and the nation. Therefore, the role of science, education, and national intellectuals—scholars and teachers—in shaping self-aware personalities and strengthening national consciousness must be key. In this regard, S. S. Yatimov emphasizes:
"It is extremely important that the nation itself, through its esteemed intellectuals, especially modern, progressive, and active ones, realize its 'Self' and minimize external (moral and material) influences on its destiny."
S. S. Yatimov’s thoughts and theses also note that every nation and state has opponents and enemies who use their knowledge and experience to cause harm. The only way to counter such threats is to rely on knowledge, a true understanding of counter-national operations, and political maturity.
It is understood that the foundation of a scientific worldview is science itself, as a supreme and logical form of understanding reality. Science is a form of intellectual activity aimed at producing and systematizing precise and objective knowledge. Its essence is defined by scientific concepts, laws, theories, and hypotheses. Unlike other forms of knowledge and belief, science relies solely on evidence and facts, rejecting fantasy and superstition. S. S. Yatimov also writes:
"Science must answer the question 'Why?'. It should explain and prove the essence, connections, laws, and changes of nature, society, and thought. It should become a factor in human development and progress, meet daily needs, and bring ease to life."
The renowned political scientist and active politician S. S. Yatimov, alongside science and education, gives special importance to the status and role of teachers in society. In his view, a teacher is the source of students’ scientific worldview, the architect of a constructive social environment, a guide of destiny, and the embodiment of spirit and intellectual thought. Without exaggeration, the description of a teacher provided by S. S. Yatimov in his Works cannot be found in any other book, manual, or pedagogical study:
"A teacher is the highest title a human has attained throughout history. Every lesson is aimed at improving and perfecting individual life. A great personality grows through knowledge. A teacher is the creator of inspiration and success."
In summary, S. S. Yatimov’s Thoughts and Theses, published in Narodnaya Gazeta, not only provide a real and logical analysis of the political and social situation in Tajikistan but also constitute a firm theoretical and practical step in the development of political and social sciences both within the country and beyond. They enable the scientific foundation of political and social processes in the country and create favorable conditions for comprehensive national development. For us, as scholars, these valuable words and ideas serve as motivation to contribute further to the development of Tajik science, to cultivate scientific thinking and worldview among youth, and to promote knowledge and education among every citizen of independent Tajikistan.
Khurshed Ziyoi,
Doctor of Philosophy, Professor
