dr. rouhani irfa no.1 1
TRANSCRIPT
-
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
nternational Relations...
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
Iranian Review of Foreign
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
nternational Relations...
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
Iranian Review of Foreign
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
nternational Relations...
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
Iranian Review of Foreign
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
nternational Relations...
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
Iranian Review of Foreign
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
nternational Relations...
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
Iranian Review of Foreign
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
nternational Relations...
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
Iranian Review of Foreign
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
nternational Relations...
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
Iranian Review of Foreign
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
nternational Relations...
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
Iranian Review of Foreign
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
nternational Relations...
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
Iranian Review of Foreign
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-
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
nternational Relations...
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
Iranian Review of Foreign
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
nternational Relations...
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
.
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
Iranian Review of Foreign
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
nternational Relations...
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).
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
Iranian Review of Foreign
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
nternational Relations...
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
Iranian Review of Foreign
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
nternational Relations...
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
Iranian Review of Foreign
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
nternational Relations...
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
Iranian Review of Foreign
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
34/37
Religion and I
48
the Islamic
by a recog
signify the
policies, an
components
nternational Relations...
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
Iranian Review of Foreign
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
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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,
nternational Relations...
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,
-
8/22/2019 Dr. Rouhani IRFA No.1 1
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
Iranian Review of Foreign
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