Islamic Theory of International Relations

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Questions and Answers

What is a fundamental principle in the modern international structure?

  • One-world government
  • Multilateral trade agreements
  • Nation-state system (correct)
  • Global economic interdependence

Which concept emphasizes the importance of a state's autonomy in international relations?

  • Economic integration
  • Global governance
  • Collective security
  • Independence (correct)

What aspect of international relations is closely tied to respect for boundaries?

  • International law
  • Global citizenship
  • Sovereignty (correct)
  • Cultural exchange

What does the principle of non-interference in international relations advocate for?

<p>Respecting a state's internal affairs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of a community of nations, what is emphasized?

<p>Collaboration for mutual benefit (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does jihad primarily represent?

<p>A continuous policy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of jihad, what does Batil refer to?

<p>Falsehood (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the stance of jihad regarding the imposition of Islam?

<p>It promotes voluntary submission to Islam (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of the call associated with jihad?

<p>An open and continuous call to submit to Islamic supremacy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does jihad relate to the concepts of Haqq and Batil?

<p>It promotes the superiority of truth over falsehood (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Unit of analysis' refer to in Islamic International Relations thought?

<p>The core subjects or entities being studied in a particular context. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is emphasized in Classical Islamic International Relations thought?

<p>The ethical dimensions based on historical Islamic teachings. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Modern Islamic International Relations thought differ from Classical thought?

<p>It incorporates contemporary global issues and practices. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant focus in Islamic Ontology and Epistemology?

<p>Spiritual experiences deemed outside rational understanding. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Modern Islamic IR thought prioritize in its analysis?

<p>A balance between traditional Islamic values and contemporary political ideas. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle emphasizes the importance of maintaining positive relationships without engaging in war?

<p>Positive Neutrality (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following principles promotes a stance against oppressive governance?

<p>No Tyranny (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle refers to the avoidance of corrupt practices and social disorder?

<p>No Corruption/Disorder (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The concept of diplomatic reciprocity involves which of the following?

<p>Mutual Agreements and Exchanges (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Abandonment of war in foreign relations primarily encourages which of the following?

<p>Constructive Diplomatic Engagement (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one critique of the classical framework of international relations according to modern Islamic thought?

<p>It lacks a dynamic approach to current global issues. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the Five Basic Principles of Islamic International Relations?

<p>Bilateral agreements (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of 'Jihad' emphasize in the context of Islamic International Relations?

<p>Peaceful advocacy for rights and justice. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the modern Islamic perspective suggest that national identity affects the Ummah?

<p>It fosters division into exclusive nation-states. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following principles stresses the importance of fulfilling commitments in Islamic International Relations?

<p>Respect and fulfilment of commitments (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the Islamic framework for international relations?

<p>It is based on ideological and moral values. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the classical framework of international relations differ from the modern framework?

<p>The classical framework is less influenced by national borders. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect characterizes the modern framework of international relations?

<p>It relies on a utopian vision. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which worldview was primarily associated with the classical framework of international relations?

<p>Bipolar worldview centered around two main powers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Islamic framework offer for understanding international relations?

<p>A complete and universal framework. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Islamic Ontology

The study of the nature of being and reality in Islam.

Islamic Epistemology

The study of knowledge and how we acquire it in Islam.

Unit of Analysis

The specific object or issue being examined in a particular study or research. It can be an individual, group, event, or phenomenon.

Classical Islamic IR Thought

The ideas and theories about international relations that originated within the Islamic intellectual tradition, particularly those developed in the medieval period.

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Modern Islamic IR Thought

Contemporary approaches to international relations that draw inspiration from Islamic values, principles, and perspectives.

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Nation-State System

A system where individual states are recognized as sovereign and independent entities.

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Community of Nations

A group of nations working together to achieve common goals, often through the United Nations.

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Independence and Sovereignty

The right of a nation to govern itself without interference from other nations.

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Respect to Territorial Integrity

Respecting the borders and territory of other nations and not trying to claim or take it.

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Non-interference

Not interfering in the internal affairs or policies of other countries.

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Jihad

A continuous, ongoing struggle for truth (Haqq) over falsehood (Batil). It's not limited to warfare; it can be in personal life, society, and all aspects of existence.

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Haqq vs. Batil

The core conflict in Jihad. It's the battle between what's right (Haqq) and what's wrong (Batil), leading to a constant struggle for truth.

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Call to Islamic Supremacy

The call to embrace Islamic beliefs and principles is open and continuous. It is not forced upon anyone; it emphasizes a voluntary submission to Islamic supremacy.

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Non-Forceful Jihad

Jihad emphasizes peaceful persuasion and the spread of Islamic values through open dialogue and education. It does not endorse forced conversion or violence.

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Abandonment of war

The idea that war should not be the main tool used in international relations.

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Diplomatic reciprocity and alliances

The practice of states treating each other equally and forming alliances based on mutual respect and common interests.

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Positive neutrality

The principle of remaining neutral in international conflicts while still upholding ethical and moral values.

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No aggression (udwan)

The prohibition of any aggressive actions or attacks on other nations.

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No tyranny (tughyan)

The rejection of tyranny or oppressive rule in international relations.

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Ummah Divided into Nation-States

The idea that the Muslim community (Ummah) is now divided into separate nation-states, each with its own distinct identity and borders.

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National Identity and Exclusiveness

The belief that a nation's identity and interests are unique and should take priority over other nations, leading to a sense of exclusivity.

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Self-Help

A principle in Islamic thought that emphasizes the individual's responsibility to work towards the betterment of society and address problems within the community.

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Fiqhi Approach

An approach to Islamic International Relations that is based on a legalistic methodology, relying on Islamic legal principles and interpretations.

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Fixed Bipolar System

A view of the world where the primary emphasis is on a binary division between good and evil, often translated into a simplistic understanding of international relations.

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Islamic Framework for International Relations

An all-encompassing system of principles and practices that governs the relationships between states and actors on the world stage, guided by Islamic values.

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Classical Framework for IR

Classical Islamic IR approaches, characterized by their legalistic structure, rigid rules, and a simplified worldview.

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Modern Framework for IR

Modern frameworks for IR focus on the nation-state system and often emphasize principles like morality and idealism.

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Universal Outlook

The concept of viewing the world as a single, connected community, emphasizing universal principles and values.

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Bipolar Worldview

Focused on a two-sided perspective, often dividing the world into opposing blocs.

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Study Notes

Islamic Theory of International Relations

  • Course: Theories of International Relations, Fall 2024-2025, Department of International Relations, University of Sharjah, taught by M. Moniruzzaman
  • A lecture focusing on Islamic perspectives on international relations (IR)

Outline

  • Islamic Ontology and Epistemology
  • Unit of analysis
  • Classical Islamic IR thought and theories
  • Modern Islamic IR thought and theories
  • Conclusion

Islamic IR Ontology and Epistemology

  • Ontology: Islamic worldview, Tawheed (Oneness of God), Risalah (Prophethood), Akhirah (Afterlife), humankind as Khalifa (stewards/vicegerents), and the universal mission of submission to God.
  • Epistemology: Quran, Sunnah (teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad), and human rationality.

Unit of Analysis

  • Man: As Khalifa, with a subordinate role, rationality, and cooperation.
  • Ummah: The universal community of believers, bound by faith, not geography.
  • State: A physical and social entity existing to realize the concept of Khalifa.
  • Humanity: The entire human race as the subject of international relations.

Classical Islamic IR Thought and Theories

  • Bipolar International Structure: Large empires, Dar al-Islam (house of Islam), and Dar al-Harb (house of war)
  • Multipolar International Structure: Dar al-Islam, Dar al-Harb, Dar al-`Ahd/sulh (treaty/peace), and Dar al-Aman (safe haven or peace).

Classical Principles of Interactions

  • Competition over ideological supremacy, where the whole world is subject to Islamic subjugation.
  • War (qital) is necessary for establishing Islamic supremacy.
  • Jihad is a continuous policy for confrontation and conflict over truth versus falsehood.
  • Non-forceful, non-impositional approach to Islam, yet a constant call to submit to Islamic supremacy.
  • Possible temporary peaceful co-existence under specific circumstances.
  • Contracts and treaties are inviolable, and mutual peace is essential.

Great Classical Thinkers

  • Abu 'Abd Allah Muhammad ibn al-Hasan ibn Farqad al-Shaybani - major work on IR and international law: al-Siyar al-Kabir
  • Imam al-Shafi
  • al-Mawardi

Modern Islamic IR Thought and Theories

  • Global Context: International structure as a nation-state system, community of nations, independence and sovereignty, respect for territorial integrity, and non-interference.
  • Muslim World Context: Ummah divided into nation-states, national identity, exclusiveness, and self-help.
  • AbdulHamid Ahmad AbuSulayman: Argued for a legalistic (Fiqhi) approach to IR, criticizing the classical framework's static nature (focusing on a bipolar system), and a need for a political approach to the contemporary world.

Five Basic Principles

  • Tawhid (Oneness of God)
  • Justice
  • Peace, mutual respect, and cooperation
  • Jihad (struggle in the path of God)
  • Respect and fulfillment of commitments

Seven Basic Policies

  • Abandonment of war
  • Diplomatic reciprocity and alliances
  • Principles of positive neutrality
  • No aggression (udwan)
  • No tyranny
  • No corruption/disorder
  • No excess

Conclusions

  • Islam offers a complete framework for IR, based on ideological and moral values with a universal outlook.
  • Classical framework is legalistic and static, focused on the bipolar system.
  • Modern framework is bound by the nation-state system, predominantly moralistic and optimistic.

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