Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1

8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1

1/37

ReligioSom

PaExperi

Dr. Hassan

Hassan Rouhani,

(1989-2005), is cu

He also serves a

Affairs.

ol. 1

and International RelatioGeneral Reflections, with

ticular Emphasis on thence of the Islamic Republ

Rouhani

former Secretary of the Supreme National Security Co

rrently Director of the Center for Strategic Research (C

s the executive director of the Iranian Review of For

No. 1 Spring 20101

IRANIANREVIEW

o

f

F

o

r

e

ig

n

A

f

f

a

irs

s:

c

ncil

R).

ign


2/37

Religion and I

16

Abstract

The dominant

indicate that

marginalizatio

including in th

politics and Int

same lines. Th

based outlook

especially in

challenge that

of the Islamicstate served

implications a

world, and als

attempt to loo

religious count

a process acro

revival of the

teaching to sh

essay will als

involved in the

will face in dea

system and its

Keywor

Relation

nternational Relations...

erception in the 19th and 20th centuries seeme

the march of modernity would lead to

of the role of religion in the public sph

e realm of politics. Many scholars of internati

ernational Relations (IR) have also argued along

e emergence of a strong counter-trend, a religi

, since the early decades of the 20th cent

he waning decades of the century, appeared

eemingly entrenched conviction. The establish

epublic of Iran in 1979 as full-fledged religias the climax of that counter-trend with signifi

d repercussions, for the region, for the Mus

for international relations. The present essay i

into these issues. It will be argued that the

er-trend, particularly the revival of Islam, repres

s the Islamic world geared to the preservation

Islamic identity, and also relying on Islam and

ape and guide governance in Muslim lands.

try to have a look at some of the challe

process; that is, the challenges Islamic governa

ling with others the dominant secular internati

omponents.

ds: Religion, Secularism, International

s, Islam, Religious Outlook, Identity

to

the

ere,

nal

the

us-

ry,

to

ent

ousant

lim

an

ew

nts

and

its

he

ges

nce

nal


3/37

Introductio

A panoramisocieties d

Westphalia

the gradual

religion [Ch

public sphe

realm of po

course of in

since theamong then

proved ev

significance

the discussi

internationa

politicians

of departur

prior to thareligious wo

religious-ba

strengthene

Iranian Review of Foreign

n

view of the development of the Westring the past centuries, at least si

n 1648, would point in general terms

and progressive waning of the role

istianity] and religious thought in

re in general, including in particular

litics, and a as a corollary in affecting

ternational relations. It can be argued t

ajor agreements reached in Westphdominant European powers which h

r since to have been of histori

at both practical and theoretical level

ns and issues pertaining to the realm

politics have been shaped and made

practitioners and scholars whose po

, as opposed to the dominant traditi

t, was not emanating from a particulrldview or outlook. The new trend of n

ed thought and action was furt

during and as a result of

ffairs

17

rnce

to

of

he

he

he

at

liave

cal

of

by

int

on

rlyn-

er

he


4/37

Religion and I

18

Enlightenm

quite lasti

influenced t

scholars of

20th centuri

outlook an

modernity

would mov

position in

to a ma

unimportan

relations a

Westphalian

While t

patterns of

produced

practically u

fair to say

inspired out

- has also

centuries, p

on a much

will confine

dominant trelations, an

how the Isl


nt era and its strong, and as it happen

g, intellectual legacy, which dee

he thinking of successive generations

international politics during the 19th

s. From the vantage point of this ove

the seemingly unimpeded march

proper, religion and religious think

further from the previously-held cen

ublic sphere and national life of socie

ginal, un-influential position, he

to the actual political life of societies

ong states -- nation-states in the p

conception.

is overall worldview and outlook and

thought, analysis and action they h

have held almost unchallenged

ninterrupted sway at the global level, i

that a counter-trend, a religious-bas

look most notably Christian and Isla

been discernible during the past t

rticularly in the twentieth century, al

maller scale and effect. The present es

itself to the Islamic counter-trend to

radition and paradigm in internatiod more specifically, it will try to look i

mic Revolution in Iran - and the religi

ed,

ply

of

nd

rall

of

ing

ral

ies

ce

nd

st-

he

ve

nd

is

d-

ic

o

eit

say

he

nalto

us


5/37

state it has

conducted i

in late 1970

which led t

February 19

the Islamic

state, and i

decades, ha

at various le

intellectual-

The Secula

Brief Over

The crux

developmen

West and it

and for the

emanated f

reach. Ever

Europe, esp

Reformatio

influential

government

productionsfrom social

concept o


created has approached this field

s foreign policy in action. The emerge

of a popular Islamic movement in Ir

the victory of the Islamic Revolution

79 and subsequently the establishment

epublic of Iran, as a full-fledged religi

ts actual policies during the past th

e aroused interests of different kinds

els on a global scale, among others, at

cademic and analytical level.

r Phenomenon and its Implications:

iew

of the issue at hand concerns

t of the modern secular outlook in

practical implications, for the West it

rest of the world as the system wh

om it acquired a global character

since the end of the Medieval Ages

ecially since Renaissance and the religi

, religion which was once hig

in individual, family, social

al life as well as in shaping intellect

in earlier times was gradually cast asand political life.(1) The emergence of

nation-state in the post-Westph

ffairs

19

nd

ce

an,

in

of

us

ree

nd

he

A

he

he

elf

ich

nd

in

us

hly

nd

ual

idehe

lia


6/37

Religion and I

20

unfolding w

the formati

process.

transformati

shifted fro

outlook, dia

Ages, accor

totally new

with huma

religious an

individual

Enlightenm

strengthene

capitalism, i

improveme

developmen

manifestatio

outlook an

helped its in

Individual

occupy a hi

including i

ontological

secular outlconcepts as

and also d


orld as the philosophical foundation

n of government further solidified t

s a result of this foundatio

on, the philosophical disposition of

the metaphysical to the worldly. The n

etrically opposed to that of the Medie

ded human rationality and enterpris

status; replaced faith and reliance on

decision and will,(2) and also relega

d metaphysical beliefs to the realm

subjectivity and private sphere.

nt, which was in turn furt

through the rapid development

ndustrialization, urbanization and mar

t in peoples economic lot, and also

t of individuality/individualism vari

ns of modernity proper - gave the sec

discourse a very strong impetus

stitutionalization in the Western societ

and individual choice - thus came

hly prominent position in the social or

the realm of politics. Defined

and epistemological terms, the mode

ook revolved around a set of cenhumanism, rationalism, realism, liberali

mocracy liberal democracy. For

of

at

nal

an

ew

val

a

od

ed

of

he

er

of

ed

he

us

lar

nd

es.

to

er,

in

rn,

ralm,

he


7/37

immediate

that the We

the centrali

helped the

system in

competition

safeguard a

to expand t

It migh

some of the

regard to th

have devel

ontological-

Enlightenm

thought, the

been molde

[applied] sci

rationality.

analysis cam

range of an

including i

Relations, t

or alternativ

which wreligious-ba

this vantage


urpose of the present essay, it is of n

tphalian concept of nation-state, based

y and supremacy of national intere

gradual development of an internatio

hich sovereign nation-states engage

, conflict, and alliance in order

d buttress their position and interests

em.

t be of interest also to have a brief loo

implications of the secular outlook

theories of international relations, as t

oped over time. With their ini

pistemological roots in

nt, especially the positivist school

dominant line of thinking in this field

by the rather strict, exclusive reliance

ntific knowledge and instrumental hu

s it happened, the positivist outlook

e to cast its rather long shadow on a w

lytical-intellectual work in various fiel

the field of politics and Internatio

us leading to virtual disregard of outlo

e analyses not conducive to quantificati

as certainly the case with religioned-oriented discourse and analysis. Fr

point, religion was totally disregarded

ffairs

21

te

on

ts,

nal

in

to

or

at

ith

ey

tial

he

of

as

on

an

nd

ide

ds,

nal

ks

on

ndm

in


8/37

Religion and I

22

scientific re

characterize

Internationa

scientific ph

that "little

certainty tha

the seculariz

a paradigm

that given t

second hal

modernizati

realist para

room for

religious-ba

Relations s

consideratio

belief syste

politics.(5)

Against

the works

comparative

other parts

world, incl

appeared ascurrent, the

outlook; reli


earch and relegated to the private sph

by such a prominent figure in mod

l Relations as Hans Morgenthau as a n

enomenon.(3) Others went so far as to st

prediction has been uttered with s

t religion is making its last efforts and t

ation theory is a theory that can turn i

for social sciences".(4) No wonder, th

e almost undisputed preponderance in

f of the twentieth century of

n theories on the one hand, and

igm on the other, there was hardly

the consideration or relevance of

ed outlook and analysis in Internatio

tudies; in fact, little room for

n of the role played by religion-ba

s as an influential factor in society

such a prohibitive backdrop, howe

f a group of scholars belonging to

school and engaged in field studies

of the world across the develop

sive of the Middle East gradu

a counter-trend. Swimming againsty came out with a somewhat differ

gion still plays an important role in m

re,

rn

n-

ate

ch

at

to

en,

he

he

he

ny

he

nal

he

ed

nd

er,

he

in

ing

lly

heing

ny


9/37

societies, a

considering

serious theo

in the 1980

analytical w

political sci

previously-h

regard to re

strength as

it could be

march of m

in and ine

outlook pro

fact, seeme

by later dev

The ex

influencing

rupture fro

area and fou

religion, but

exploring th

Revival of t

Even thouproposition

its own ant


nd on that basis, the necessity

such a role and its practical implication

retical-academic analysis. The appeara

s and 1990s(6) of a growing number

orks of the new trend in the field

ence and sociology openly question

eld seemingly solid convictions

igion and its role in society attested to

ell as to its prospects. Judged otherw

rgued that the earlier predictions that

dernity would lead to the gradual erosi

itable ultimate demise of the religi

ved utterly hasty and premature, and

to have boomeranged as corrobora

lopments.

planation of religion as the new fo

international politics does not mea

the theoretical tradition governing t

nding a new explanatory logic based up

it centers on the search for instrument

e role played by this new factor

he Religious Outlook

h it may sound Marxian, butseems to be true that every thesis cre

ithesis. Applied to the case at hand,

ffairs

23

of

in

ce

of

of

ing

ith

its

se,

he

on

us

in

ed

rce

a

his

on

in

hetes

it


10/37

Religion and I

24

means that

supported b

extreme o

others, serv

grounds fo

belief/faith-

both in the

wide range

the past fe

increase in

attraction to

and Hinduis

number o

California,(8)

in this rega

decades of

the Religio

framework

States, whic

legislation o

also politic

reflective o

similar phen

to the actiJewry, with

foreign poli


secularism as the overarching outlo

y practical materialism of economism

e-dimensional(7) individualism, am

ed in their collective effect to lay

r the revival of religion religi

based beliefs, on a global scale, includ

advanced Western societies as well a

f other societies. The recent trend dur

decades in the United States in mar

church attendance and also pop

Asian ancient religions such as Buddhi

m, as reflected in the rapid growth in

Buddhist temples in the State

is clearly indicative of a discernible cha

rd. The emergence during the past

stronger conservative block, inclusive

s Right and Evangelicals, within

f the mainstream Protestant church in

has shown its weight in a wide range

sensitive education and health issues

lly in the 2004 presidential elections,

the same general pattern of revival.

omenon can also be discerned with reg

e socio-political role of the Ameriits particularly manifest activism in

y.(9)

ok,

nd

ng

he

us

ing

s a

ing

ed

lar

sm

he

of

ge

ew

of

he

he

of

nd

is

A

rd

anUS


11/37

The re

within and

John Paul

used his pa

Poland and

Communist

clerical and

developed

ideology, Li

certain resp

United State

Howev

of religious

in the Islam

section. But

movements

concerned,

sometime in

colonial str

Islamic teac

shape in

colonial dri

gradually d

grown protforeign ideo

the more


ival of religious fervor also took pl

hrough the Catholic Church. While P

I, himself a Polish national, extensiv

pal position and the Catholic Church

across the Soviet Block against the ath

rule, many of his junior churchmen

lay in Central and Latin Ame

their own religious-based revolution

beration Theology(10) - albeit eclectic

cts, against the capitalist hegemony of

s and her local military men.

r, the strongest and most extensive w

evival in the twentieth century took pl

ic world to which I will turn in the n

, in so far as the overall rise of religi

during the second half of the centur

it should be said, in passing, that si

the 1950s, during the heydays of the a

ggle, early forms of a nascent return

hings in search of lost identity t

any Muslim societies. The initial a

e in many African and Asian count

veloped into different kinds of ho

st movements against a wide rangelogies, including Western imperialism

recent reincarnation of traditio

ffairs

25

ce

pe

ely

in

ist

ica

ary

in

he

ve

ce

ext

us

is

ce

ti-

to

ok

ti-

ies

e-

ofas

nal


12/37

Religion and I

26

colonialism

and Third

Muslim gro

during the e

struggles.

The cli

with the em

movement i

visionary

Khomeini.

against the

subsequent

full-fledged

tutelage of

phenomeno

concerns -

of politico-

others of a

in the Iran

consequenc

outset to be

of serious in

from the va

in differentand foreign

One of the


and also Communism, failed nationali

World radicalism along with wh

ps and currents had fought as comra

arlier periods of anti-colonial, anti-fore

ax of the religious counter-current ca

rgence of a popular protest-revolution

n Iran in late 1970s which was led b

uslim jurisprudent, Ayatollah Ruhol

ictory of this revolutionary movem

pro-West monarchical regime and

establishment of the Islamic Republic

religious government under the dir

the Shiite ulama, marked a totally n

n and provoked serious interests

f different kinds on a global scale so

economic nature, others cultural,

ilitary-strategic nature. This developm

ian society and the repercussions

s which were reckoned from the v

quite serious and far-reaching, also pro

terest to analytical-academic quarters, a

tage point of practical policy implicati

areas and fields, including foreign polrelations both regional and internatio

ajor questions that was raised at the ti

m,

m

es

ign

me

ary

a

lah

nt

he

, a

ect

ew

nd

me

till

nt

nd

ery

ed

lso

ns

icyal.

me


13/37

concerned

regional or

hand with

revolutionar

or the new

The Reviva

Political Isla

modern tim

Islam as a

second half

to the wri

Jamaleddin

during the

King. Even

Alliance

generally be

has left its

thinkers, int

his homelan

Egypt a

currents an

Islamic thin

with it in Ircentury to t

which the


he concept of stability, whether at

international level, which went hand

the perennial problem of the effect

y states on the stability of the status q

orld order.(11)

l of Political Islam

m, as a line of thinking among Muslim

es believing in the necessity of reviv

form of governance, dates back to

of the nineteenth century, and in partic

ings and political activities of Sey

Asadabadi also known as Afghan

reign of Nasser-eddin Shah, the Q

if his idea of promoting an Isla

ttehad-e Eslam- failed to materialize, i

lieved that his Islamic revivalist think

imprint on later generations of Mus

llectuals and political activists, whethe

d Iran, or in such other Muslim lands

other important center of new Isla

activity at the time. The new line

king and the political struggles associa

an led in the early years of the twentie Constitutional Revolution (1905-06),

hiite ulama played a pivotal role

ffairs

27

he

in

of

o,

in

ing

he

lar

ed

i -

jar

ic

is

ing

im

in

as

ic

of

ed

thin

a


14/37

Religion and I

28

historical de

the Iranian

seven decad

post-First

and activiti

Qutb and

Maududi i

expounded

political Isla

and Al-Ban

which could

of the Otto

independen

This ne

its ups and

success to

governance,

fledged Isla

exception, h

the establi

government

founded o

Sharia in p

emergencestate, at bot

different fie


velopment that left its lasting impact

society only to come full fruition o

es later. The same line of thinking in

orld War period emerged in the writi

s of such prominent figures as Say

assan al-Banna in Egypt, and Alla

n the Indian Sub-Continent,

the theoretical foundations of mod

m. The writing and beliefs of both Q

a carried a strong anti-nationalist flav

be reckoned as a response to the colla

man Empire and the emergence of n

states under nationalist, secular rule.

w trend of thinking among Muslims,

down in various Muslims societies

ifferent degrees in impacting the state

nevertheless, failed to establish a fu

ic rule in any Muslim country. The o

owever, occurred in Iran in 1979 thro

hment of the Islamic Republic -

and political system shaped by

Islamic worldview and teachings,

articular. The undeniable impact of

n the international scene of this religih regional and international levels, and

ds and areas, is fully known to everyb

on

er

he

gs

yid

ah

ho

rn

tb

or,

se

w,

ith

nd

of

lly-

nly

gh

a

nd

he

he

usin

dy


15/37

and has be

friends and

the matter

Republic in

precise as

regional and

Given

its size, po

and also ric

the impact

with a rev

strong rever

so in Irans

East. To ci

clear doctri

contribution

militant Is

predominan

the Palestini

can hardly

situation i

enjoying

communitie

society - boof the new

success of


n extensively discussed and analyzed,

oes, during the past three decades. Fact

is that the establishment of the Isla

Iran brought Islam political Islam to

a potent, dynamic actor to the forefront

international politics.

rans strategic geographical position

ulation, huge potentials in various fiel

millennial cultural-civilizational herita

f the emergence of a religious state in I

lutionary ideology was bound to h

berations across the Muslim world, m

immediate neighborhood and the Mid

te an example, the Islamic Revolutio

al impact in the occupied Palestine

, even inadvertent, to the ascendance o

amic current, as distinct from

tly nationalist-radical political discourse

an resistance movement up to the 19

e denied. The same also applies to

Lebanon, where the Shiites, al

relative majority among differ

, had been practically on the fringe of

h politically and economically. As a resituation in the area and inspired by

their co-religionists in Iran, they h

ffairs

29

by

of

ic

be

of

nd

ds,

ge,

an

ve

re

dle

ns

nd

f a

he

of

0s

he

eit

nt

he

ulthe

ve


16/37

Religion and I

30

organized t

credible nat

with their

needless to

terms on

movement

On a

Revolution

different fie

ideological,

the victory

Islamic-insp

latter part

strong mo

disenchante

Muslim soc

Iranian parti

within their

societies. T

far beyo

conduct(12) h

in various

participatio

provincial aof govern

coalitions, s


emselves in the meantime to turn int

ional force with a status commensur

umber and weight. This developme

ay, has also come to bear in very tangi

he state of the Palestinian resista

nd the general anti-Israeli struggle.

larger scale, the impact of the Iran

nd the Islamic Republic has been felt

lds across the Muslim world politi

nd socio-cultural. At the ideological le

of the Revolution, an example of

ired-led popular social revolution in

f the twentieth century, has served a

ral incentive for a wide range

social and political forces in m

ieties, which have in turn utilized

cular experience in organizing themsel

own respective communities and natio

e general impact on the Muslims think

nd sectarian differences and act

as been undeniable. The discernible tr

uslim societies in the increasingly act

of Muslim groups and parties

d national politics, even in the formatients or alternatively in defeating rul

nce the advent of the Islamic Revoluti

a

ate

nt,

ble

ce

ian

in

al,

el,

an

he

a

of

ny

he

es

nal

ing

ual

nd

ive

in

oning

on


17/37

in 1979 is a

The lively d

Afghanistan

occupation,

of religion

constitution

republic ve

number of

alia, the lev

also the cl

active and

forces and

outside pres

Afghan con

legislation

indicative o

Afghan soci

the case in I

Afghanistan

from the T

reactionary

understood

the resilienc

situation inthe emerge

and more s


other indication and gauge of the imp

ebates during the past few years in b

and Iraq, while still under fore

on the extent of consideration of the r

Sharia in the drafting of the n

including on the title of the new regim

sus Islamic republic - clearly point t

important factors in both societies, in

l of popular sensitivity to the issue

ar religious outlook and orientation

influential organized political-ideologi

urrents. The very fact that despite str

sure an article was enshrined in the n

stitution prohibiting the promulgation

ontrary to the precepts of Sharia

the strength of the Islamic outlook in

ety and politics. The same also came to

raq. The strength of the religious facto

, particularly given the still open wou

aliban days and their widely discredi

utlook and repressive policies, should

and analyzed from the vantage point

of the deep-rooted causes involved.

Turkey in recent decades, especially sice of the Islamist discourse in the 198

since the rise to power of the Justice

ffairs

31

ct.

th

ign

ole

ew

e

a

ter

nd

of

cal

ng

ew

of

as

he

be

in

ds

ed

be

of

he

ce0s,

nd


18/37

Religion and I

32

Developme

another inte

political en

especially o

context o

Huntington

the Wests

Islamic fun

oblique way

global scale

state of inte

In so f

precise - o

number of l

have alread

the view poi

outlook/Mu

play in act

societies. A

and specific

of identity

bigger socia

some cases

has gained pperiod, mo

developmen


t Party still at the helm provi

resting example of the rising fortunes

urance of the overall religious discou

ce considered within the bigger politi

a staunchly secular state. Sam

s emphasis in the post-Cold War days

problem with Islam itself, and not

amentalism, can in a rather peculiar

point to Islams new-found stature o

and therefore, bringing to bear on

national relations.

r as the impact of religion Islam, to

international relations is concerned

evels could be discerned. Some exam

been briefly discussed, particularly fr

nt of the role Islam and and the Isla

slim forces and currents have come

ve politics and governance of vari

second level concerns the role of Isl

Islamic affiliation as the defining elem

of communities and minorities withi

or national context with a different

hostile outlook or attitude. This asp

articular prominence in the post-Coldt notably in the wake of the politi

ts in the Balkans, and the atroci

es

nd

se,

cal

uel

on

ith

nd

a

he

be

, a

les

m

ic

to

us

am

nt

a

in

ect

arcal

ies


19/37

committed

Herzegovin

later in Kos

in the occ

specifically,

with a stron

same patter

platform an

more so, in

classic case i

to Norther

and aspir

subscription

Liberation

also from

relevant exa

past two d

political for

increasing

of popular

political acti

Anothe

religious be

Religion pllegitimacy

public sphe


gainst Muslim minorities in Bosnia

and Croatia in the early 1990s and a

ovo. As alluded to earlier, the emerge

pied Palestine since the 1980s m

in the 1990s - of a militant political fo

, solid religious outlook also attests to

n the Islamic identity aspect in

outlook of Hamas is unmistakable,

the case of the Lebanese Hezbollah.

n this regard, though not Islamic, perta

Ireland, where nationalistic sentime

tions have been pursued thro

to Catholic beliefs and ident

heology in Central and Latin Ameri

he Catholic tradition, provides anot

mple. Increasing assertiveness during

ecades in India on the part of Hi

es even though in part a response

uslim activism is still another exam

urn to religious identity and affiliation

ity.

r level concerns the relationship betw

lief(s) and the question of legitim

ays an important role in providor institutions and organizations in

re - similar in general terms to ot

ffairs

33

nd

lso

ce

re

rce

he

he

nd

he

ins

nts

gh

ity.

ca,

er

he

du

to

ple

in

en

cy.

inghe

er


20/37

Religion and I

34

sources of l

and religiou

various soci

developing,

more crucia

rooted natu

identity, cha

is what sets

from other

association

parties or o

sources of a

The thi

aspect in s

concerned

affiliation

conduct of

While the

focused on

communal

we now tur

The role pla

Afghanistan

equally theirthe immedi

depth, exp


gitimacy. But, the role played by religi

s beliefs, as has been amply witnessed

ties in modern times, both developed

has been and still continues to be o

l - and lasting - impact due to the de

re of such beliefs in the formation

racter and psyche of their followers. T

religion and religious beliefs quite ap

sources of organizational affiliation

as happens to be the case with politi

ther institutions based on more transi

legiance or affiliation.

rd aspect - perhaps the more import

far as international relations proper

relates to the role religion and religi

lays in the regional and internatio

countries, states and political regi

discussion in previous lines was m

such a role at the domestic level wit

nd national boundaries, the other asp

n to concerns the supra-national asp

yed by the wide range of Muslim force

since the 1979 Soviet occupation

foreign supporters within and outsidete region is a now a classic case.

nse, and long-term consequences

on

in

nd

f a

p-

of

at

art

nd

cal

nt

nt

are

us

nal

es.

re

in

ect

ct.

in

nd

ofhe

nd


21/37

repercussio

in Afghanis

after the de

rise of Talib

9/11, all se

and religio

internationa

The Balkan

impact th

communal

metamorph

regional c

ultimately, i

note of caut

the pheno

played by

proper and

communal

and internat

the past dec

double-edge

discussion t

of such a rol

the grounddifferent pic

of tension


s of the developments that have unfol

an since the early 1980s and particul

arture of the Soviet forces, including

an and the subsequent developments si

ve to underline the growing role religi

s convictions have come to play

relations, including at the regional le

situation also exhibited both levels

role of religious affiliation and identit

and societal level that so

sed into internecine blood-letting

nflict with critical continental

nternational, repercussions. However

ion on the intrinsically complex nature

enon under review is in order. The r

the increasing assertiveness of religi

religious outlooks in politics at

nd national level as well as at the regio

ional levels, as has been witnessed dur

des and in more recent years, has acte

d sword it cuts both ways.

us far has addressed the positive imp

e and engagement. But, the grim reality

nd on a global scale points also to a vture the role played also in the creati

nd conflict, whether at the commu

ffairs

35

ed

rly

he

ce

on

in

el.

of

at

on

nd

nd

a

of

ole

on

he

nal

ing

as

he

act

on

eryon

al-


22/37

Religion and I

36

ethnic level

ugly exampl

emergence i

monotheisti

with extrem

also on the

issues is a cl

belief can al

to tension,

to say, suc

government

and somet

complicate

internationa

The Experi

Religion has

society, bot

as all throu

more forma

rise to powe

made Shiis

situation th

influence orealm of po

came to dir


r at larger national and regional levels,

s of which abound around the world.

n recent years in virtually all religion

or otherwise, of fundamentalist curre

ly dogmatic views on matters of faith

ide gamut of social, cultural and politi

ear reflection of the sad fact that faith

so move in the wrong direction, and c

onflict, and even open violence. Needl

currents, which, also happen to en

al support of one kind or another, impl

imes even explicit, tend to furt

an inherently complex state

relations.

ence of the Islamic Republic

always played a pivotal role in the Iran

in the pre-Islamic ancient Persia as

h the Islamic era. That role assume

, institutionalized form in the wake of

r of the Safavids in the 16th century, wh

the state religion in the country

t has continued ever since. The role

ulama in the society at large, and inlitics, gradually grew in the meantime

ectly affect the state policies in differ

he

he

nts

nd

cal

nd

ter

ess

joy

icit

er

of

ian

ell

a

he

ich

a

nd

hend

nt


23/37

areas, which

leading rol

Revolution i

Such a role

tandem an

seminaries

among oth

(fatwa) in s

ulama as Ak

Ayatollah M

The C

known to

managed to

constitution

impact of

factors, it f

government

establishme

Pahlavi (19

ulama and

1920s and 1

came to the

political for

1941 whenpart of their

round of a


ultimately culminated in playing a criti

in the victory of the Constitutio

n the early years of the twentieth cent

, it has to be underlined, was played

close cooperation with, the Shi

nd ulama in Najaf, Iraq, as evidenc

rs, in the issuance of religious verdi

pport of constitutionalism by such sen

hund Khorasani, Seyed Kazem Yazdi

azandarani.

onstitutional Revolution, as is wid

the students of Irans modern hist

turn the despotic Qajar dynasty int

l monarchy. But due to the negat

combination of internal and exter

iled to institutionalize the constitutio

and was totally defeated with

t of the dictatorial rule of Reza S

5-1941). The political activism of

eligious seminaries continued during

930s, even if at a much subdued level,

fore once again, along with other milit

es, after the fall of the Pahlavi King

he Allied Powers occupied the countrywar effort to assist the Soviets. This n

tivism played an important part in

ffairs

37

al,

nal

ry.

in

ite

ed,

cts

ior

nd

ely

ry,

a

ive

nal

nal

he

ah

he

he

nd

nt

in

asew

he


24/37

Religion and I

38

course of th

of the oil i

which led a

restoration

another peri

After a

Shah and t

sharply dete

The rise to

the grand

the political

crisis and o

brewing co

and led to t

in Tehran

Ayatollah K

was arreste

year and

denunciatio

military per

and continu

before the c

the 15-year

of followeropposition

with a wide


e national struggle for the nationalizati

dustry in late 1940s and early 1950

a result of the August 1953 coup to

f Shah to the throne and establishment

od of dictatorial rule (1953-1979).

period of tense relationship between

e ulama during the 1950s, the situati

riorated as a result of a number of fact

rominence in 1960-1 within the ranks

ojtahed of Ayatollah Khomeini chan

equation at a time of general econo

en political opposition to the Shah.

flict came to a climax in early June 1

e ruthless suppression of a popular re

and a number of other major cit

homeini, the most vocal critic at the ti

and put under house arrest for ove

inally sent into exile over his o

of the law granting immunity to

onnel. The forced exile started in Tur

d in Najaf, Iraq, lasted until a few mon

ollapse of the monarchical regime. Dur

xile, the Ayatollah and his growing cad

, both clerical and lay, continued tgainst the Shah needless to say, al

range of oppositionl forces and current

on

he

of

he

on

rs.

of

ed

ic

he

63

olt

es.

e,

r a

en

US

ey

ths

ing

res

eirng

.


25/37

The pr

Iran against

the course

revolutionar

Ayatollah

jurisprudent

let alone t

contempora

revolutionar

Islamic Rep

state, inspir

the principl

certainty th

while sharin

a number o

was quite u

republic wit

also unique

the office

(Guardiansh

state appara

developmen

during the

constitutionthe office

executive au


cess of the popular protest movement

the Shahs regime in 1978-79 which led

of almost a year, to a powe

y movement, under the leadership

Khomeini, an 80-year-old Shi

, is a well-known story all over the worl

the serious students of Iran and

ry history. So is also the outcome of t

y movement the establishment of

ublic in 1979 as a full-fledged religi

d by Islamic teachings and founded

s and edicts of Sharia. It can be said

t the religious state established in Ir

some similarities in certain respects

other governments in the Muslim wo

nique in terms of its legal structure

a distinct religious identity which

in the distribution of authority betw

(institution) of Velayat-e Fa

ip of the Jurisconsult) and the rest of

us, inclusive of the executive branch.

t of this unique governance struct

ast three decades, inclusive of the 1

l amendment involving the annulmentf prime minister and concentrating

thorities in the office of the president,

ffairs

39

in

in

ful

of

ite

its

his

he

us

on

ith

an,

ith

ld,

a

as

en

ih

he

he

re

89

ofhe

as


26/37

Religion and I

40

been exten

disciplines,

growing an

still of scho

point of its

Iran and als

societies, de

Leavin

the 1979

following li

internationa

which imp

subsequent

other words

of the forei

vis the inter

1. The

from the

unwillingnes

religious

formal diplo

considered

state of dis

and the Weparticular.

2. The


sively studied by scholars of vari

and commands a voluminous, and ev

rich literature to its credit. The subj

larly interest, especially from the vant

long-term implications for governance

o as a potential model for other Isla

erves to be further studied and analyze

aside the domestic policies in Iran si

evolution, it will be attempted in

nes to shed some light on the ove

atmosphere at the time of the Revoluti

cted and shaped its response to

interaction with the outside world; or

, the rationale and foundational princi

n relations of the Islamic Republic vis

ational system.

cognitive problem. This difficulty ar

international systems inability and

s to recognize the Islamic Republic a

slamic - state, which was different fr

matic recognition as a state. This could

s one of the root causes of a perman

rust that has existed since between I

t in general and some of its members

roblem of lack of precedent (experien

us

er-

ct,

ge

in

ic

d.

ce

he

rall

on

nd

in

les

--

se

or

s a

m

be

nt

an

in

e).


27/37

The Islamic

Islamic -

generally les

external env

on its own

policies in

including in

internationa

any credible

leftist revol

who could e

others. Put

define what

waning deca

3. Esta

The Islamic

internationa

experience,

rather pecul

secular syst

pursual of

based on its

confronted

challenges,means have

the challeng


Republic, as a unique full-fledged religi

state in modern times, and facin

s-than-friendly if not outright hostil

ironment, had to rely fully and exclusiv

resources to develop approaches

almost all fields of Irans national l

its dealings with the outside world

system. The new ideological state lac

source of emulation contrary to ot

tions in the earlier decades of the cent

asily emulate the hard-won experiences

therwise, Iran simply had to explore

it meant to be religious Islamic in

des of the twentieth century.

lishment of a new pattern of interacti

Republics interaction with the domin

system, as borne out by the act

reveals the contours and parameters o

iar interaction between a predomina

em and a religious state committed

pproaches and policies inspired by

own ideology. This type of interaction

oth sides with particular even peculi

nd equally important, how new waysbeen explored to circumvent or overco

es involved. The challenging relations

ffairs

41

us

a

ely

nd

ife,

he

ed

er

ry

of

nd

he

n.

nt

ual

f a

tly

to

nd

as

r

ndme

ip


28/37

Religion and I

42

between th

indicating al

degree of

continue de

point of t

gauged as

survival in

atmosphere,

of its nor

4. Pe

Republic's q

the post-Col

regional po

Asia and th

prevalent st

Islamic Re

contribution

Afghanistan

note that c

between Ira

Afghanistan

Lebanon

other two

influential p


two sides seems to be still continui

so that both sides have exhibited a cert

flexibility which has allowed them

aling with each other. From the vant

e Islamic Republic the latter aspect

a sign of a religious states success

an otherwise unfriendly surround

and even promotion to a certain deg

ative structures and value system.

ace-building potential. The Isla

uite substantial experience, particularly

d War period, in lending its assistance

er towards resolving conflicts in Cen

Caucasus stood in sharp contrast to

reotypical images and perceptions of

ublic. The same pattern of posit

could also be seen in Irans role

and Iraq in the post-9/11 period. It is

mmon faith-related and cultural affini

on the one hand, and such countries

and Iraq on the other, and also

ven though somewhat different from

has certainly helped place Iran in a hig

sition to play a positive role.

ng,

ain

to

ge

is

ful

ing

ree

ic

in

s a

ral

he

he

ive

in

of

ies

as

in

he

hly


29/37

Challenges

Internation

In the prec

faced by t

internationa

try to look

foundationsparticular, t

very raison

internationa

argued by t

problem lie

instrumenta

the secular

presumptio

followers/p

state, the s

moral issue

moral syste

religious sta

defined firs

certain mor

Republic. E

applies moconduct r

religious sta


of a Religious State in the

al System

ding section a number of the challen

e Islamic Republic in dealing with

system were briefly discussed. One

into some of the theoretical-concept

of such difficulties, including,he foundational difference between

etre of a religious state and that of a

system based on secular principles.

e proponents of the religious outlook,

s in the dominance of functionalist

rationality theories of state(13) - presum

nature of the state. Based on t

unacceptable to

oponents of the religious outlook

cular state, holds a neutral position

and avoids subscribing to any partic

(lets say, any particular religion).

te, in a diametrically opposed position

and foremost by its commitment t

l code Sharia in the case of the Isla

en if the thrust of the Sharia in princi

tly to the realm of personal/individalm of domestic policies of the state

e Islamic Republic acts in its deali

ffairs

43

es

he

an

ual

inhe

an

As

he

or

ing

at

he

he

on

lar

he

, is

a

ic

ple

ualhe

gs


30/37

Religion and I

44

with the int

accordance

principles d

of the challe

The

dichotomy/

of national

defined res

state. This

between th

purposes

cosmopolita

The

state; what c

secular nat

necessity

flexibility o

with the se

components

own religiou

Past

world poin

perception

Similarly, tbehavior by

full-fledged


ernational system and its components

with a set of general, overarch

ducted from its religious outlook. So

nges in this regard are as follows:

necessity of addressing the possi

conflict-contradiction between definiti

interests, security and state identity

ectively by a secular state and a religi

ould also imply the possible dichoto

pursual of policies geared to natio

ersus pursual of supra-national

n purposes.

contours of the religious identity of

onstitutes the religious or alternatively

re of the state. This also implies

or inevitability of a certain degree

the part of the religious state in deal

ular international system, or the sec

of such a system, while still abiding by

s/doctrinal principles and obligations.

nd present experiences within the Mus

to a plurality of Islamic identity,

r the requirements for an Islamic st

ere exists a plurality of patternsMuslim states (though not necessaril

state as the Islamic Republic) towa

in

ing

me

ble

on

as

us

my

nal

or

he

he

he

of

ing

lar

its

im

its

te.

ofa

rds


31/37

others t

components

different

denominati

which affe

conduct in

internationa

And

perceptions,

does, in fa

challenges a

Muslim stat

interactions,

internationa

with each

collectivity.

Conclusion

The present

role religion

- have play

system, whi

look at som

and discussthe revival o

scene, practi


e secular international system and

. This implies that Islamic states poss

historical, geographical, cultu

nal (sectarian), and political characteris

ts their approach, policy and act

interacting with others i.e., the sec

system and its components.

finally, the diversity and plurality

approaches, and policies of Muslim st

t, create a situation fraught with b

d opportunities, on the one hand, for

s themselves and the state of their o

and on the other, for others

system and its components in deal

and every Muslim state and/or t

s

essay has reviewed, in broad brush,

and religious outlook Islam in partic

d in recent decades in the internatio

h is, by definition secular. It has tried

e of the salient features of the new tr

ts ramifications. As discussed in the essf the religious outlook in the internatio

cally within all religions, monotheistic

ffairs

45

its

ess

ral,

ics

ual

lar

of

tes

th

he

n

he

ing

eir

he

lar

nal

to

nd

ay,nal

nd


32/37

Religion and I

46

otherwise, d

during its l

overall van

dominance

and its exce

has been p

reliance on

school, the

of the conti

disregarded

importantly,

over time.

The ess

of Islamic r

the early de

focus on t

Republic of

state of its

years of th

broad, sche

the Islami

ascendance

and policies

to a wide raand internat

to look int


ring the last century and more specific

tter part should be looked at from

age point of general response to

nd preponderance of the secular outl

ses. In other words, as a reaction to w

erceived as the undesirable outcome

the secular outlook and the positi

eligious outlook has tried to argue in fa

nued relevance of a set of other fact

by the secular outlook, and m

by the international system shaped b

ay has attempted to touch on the proc

vivalism in modern times, especially si

ades of the twentieth century, and inst

e particular experience of the Isla

Iran as the only full-fledged religi

ind which came into being in the clos

1970s. It has looked, even though

atic form, at the genesis of the revival

thinking in Iran and its ultim

to power. While addressing the appro

of the Islamic Republic since its incepti

nge of issues in the course of its regioional interactions, the essay has also tr

the challenges the Islamic Republic

lly

he

he

ok

at

of

ist

or

rs

re

it

ess

ce

ad

ic

us

ing

in

of

ate

ch

on

nalied

as


33/37

faced in its

system.

In addr

the religiou

endeavored

question of

this concept

the general

religious ou

within vario

world. Give

globalizatio

tendencies,

certainty, th

identity

regional

commensur

dominant sy

As a fi

dichotomies

the extreme

excessive s

identity (inc

certain degron the part

practice in


dealings with the dominant internatio

essing the rationale for the emergence

outlook in modern times, the essay

to highlight one specific aspect

identity. As argued in the previous li

seems to have played a significant role

trend at the global level of the revival

tlook, which has taken different for

us religions and in different parts of

the preponderance of the still unfold

process with its strong homogenizati

one could expect, with a high degree

t equally strong counter-trends espous

at all levels; local/communal, national

ill persevere and continue to play a r

te with the perceived threats from

stem and its components.

nal reckoning, given the continuation

and conflicts at various levels, especi

manifestations of blind recourse to eit

cularism or dogmatic reliance on s

lusive of religious identity), exercise o

e of flexibility and a sense of cooperatif all players is called for as witnesse

he actual conduct of foreign relations

ffairs

47

nal

of

as

he

es,

in

of

ms

he

ing

on

of

ing

nd

ole

he

of

lly

er

lf-

f a

onin

of


34/37

Religion and I

48

the Islamic

by a recog

signify the

policies, an

components


epublic. This is borne out, among oth

ition of the diversity and plurality t

perceptions, images, approaches

in the final analysis, experiences, of

of the Muslim world.

rs,

at

nd

he


35/37

References

1. HeilbronerTorchston

2. Ferguson Ni

3. Fox Jonath

Internatio

Issue 3, Fa

4. Hadden J.

Theory, So

5. ApplebyR. SConflict,

301, pp.7-8

6. Haynes J. (

Broen an

Conflicts:

of Peace P

7. Anwar Syed

New Multi

8. Buddhist

http://thai

9. Kokosalakis

odern so

10. Gill Anth

Church an

Chicago Pr


obert (1980), The Worldly Philosophers, New Y, pp.40-46.

ll (2004),Empire, London: Penguin Books, pp.6-

n (2001), Religion as an Overlooked Elemen

al Relations, International Studies Review, Vo

ll, pp.62-63.

K. (1987), Toward Desacralizing Seculariza

cial Forces, Vol. 65, No.3, pp.57-588.

cott (1994), Religious Fundamentalisms and Gl

ew York: Foreign Policy Association Headline Se

.

992), Religion in Third World Politics, in Sher

Kimber Schraub, eds., Resolving Third W

hallenges for a New Era, Washington D.C.: Insti

ess, pp.67-70.

Tariq (1998), Civilizations versus Civilizations

olar World, Journal of Marketing, Vol. 62, No. 2.

emples in the USA, October 2009, accessed

embdc.org/directry/wat_e.htm.

Nikos (1985), Legitimation, Power and Religio

ciety, Sociological Analysis, Vol. 46, No. 4, p.341.

ny (1998), Rendering unto Caesar: The Cath

d the state in Latin America, Chicago: Universit

ess, pp.45-62.

ffairs

49

ork:

4.

of

. 3,

ion

bal

ies,

l J.

rld

ute

n a

.

at:

in

olic

of


36/37

Religion and I

50

11. Holliday Fr

N.C.: Duk

12. Holliday Fr

Boulder, C

13. Spruyt Hen

of the Wes

State Orde

The following s

this essay.

- Landes Davi

Cambridge

- Griffin David

Trans. Ha

Publicatio

- Axford Barry

Culture,

Political an

- Dehghani Se

Postmode

- Soloveitchik

Transform

28, No.4.

- Juergensmey

University

- Thomas S.

Seriously:

Transform

No. 3, p.81

- Haynes J. (

Longman,


ed (1999), Revolution and World Politics, Durh

University Press.

ed (2000), Nation and Religion in the iddle E

olo.: Lynne Rienner, pp. 40-92.

drik (2000), "The End of Empire and the Exten

tphalian System: The Normative Basis of the Mo

r,International Studies Review, Vol. 2, No. 1.

ources have also been consulted in the preparatio

d (1969), The Unbound Prometheus, Cambri

University Press, p.546-549.

(2002), God and Religion in the Postmodern Wo

id Reza Ayatollahi, Tehran: Sun of Develop

s, p.56.

(1999), The Global System: Economics, Politics

rans. Homeria Moshirzadeh, Tehran: Institute

d International Studies.

yyed Jalal (1998), International Relations fro

nist Outlook, Discourse Quarterly, No. 1, Summe

H. (1994), Rupture and Reconstruction:

ation of Contemporary Orthodoxy, Tradition,

er M. (1993), The New Cold War?, Berk

of California.

. (2000), Taking Religious and Cultural Plural

The Global Resurgence of Religion and

ation of International Society, Millennium, Vol.

1.

1998), Religion in Global Politics, New Y

p.7-8.

am,

ast,

ion

ern

of

ge:

rld,

ent

nd

for

a

r,

he

ol.

ley,

ism

the

29,

ork,


37/37

- Buddhist T

http://thai

- Kokosalakis

odern so

- Love Mervy

Northern I

- Otto Rudolf

Non-Ratio

Rational,- Tocqueville

Trans. Ge

- Huntington

Remaking

Institute fo

- Wilmer Fran

Newbury P

- Fuller Graha

Geopolitic

pp. 92-114.

- Avery Peter,

Cambridg

Republic,

- Imam's Sahi

Khomeini'

- Imam's Sahif

- Johnston Ha

Oppositio

against A

of Religion


mples in the USA, October 2009, accessed

embdc.org/directry/wat_e.htm.

ikos (1985), Legitimation, Power and Religio

ciety, Sociological Analysis, Vol. 46, No. 4, p.341.

(1995), Peace Building through Reconciliatio

reland, Brookfield, Vt.: Ashgate.

(1923), The Idea of the Holy: An Inquiry Into

al Factor and Divine and Its Relationship to

xford: Oxford University Press.lexis de (1969), Democracy in America, 2 V

rge Lawrence New York: Harper & Row, p.292.

amuel (1999), The Clash of Civilizations and

of World Order, Trans. M. A. Hamid Rafiei, Teh

r Cultural Research, pp. 209-217.

e (1993), The Indigenous Voice in World Poli

ark: Sage Publications, pp. 21-47.

and Lesser Ian G. (1995), Sense of Siege:

s of Islam and the West, Boulder, Colo.: Westv

ambly Gavin and Melville Charles, eds. (1991),

History of Iran: From Nadir Shah to the Isla

ol. 7, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, p.

eh, Vol. 1, p.409 and Rouhani Seyed Hami, I

Movement, Vol. 1, p.721.

h, Vol. 1, p.415.

k and Figa Jozef (1988), "The Church and Polit

: Comparative Perspectives on Mobiliza

thoritarian Regimes,"Journal for the Scientific St

, Vol. 27, No. 1, March, pp. 32-41.

ffairs

51

at:

in

in

the

the

ls.,

the

ran:

ics,

The

ew,

The

mic

36.

am

ical

ion

udy

Date post:	08-Aug-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	ah
View:	227 times
Download:	0 times

Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1

Documents