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Title: Shadows of Sectarianism: Political Dynamics in Post-Arab Spring Middle East
Description: Exploring the intricate web of sectarian schisms and political maneuvering within the Middle East post-Arab Spring, this document delves into how the Sunni-Shia divide has shaped regional alliances and conflicts. From the historical roots of political sectarianism to the modern weaponization of sectarian identities by regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Iran, the research unravels the complexities of geopolitical strategies and their implications in the region.
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International Journal of Humanities and Social Science
ISSN: 2220-8488 (Print), 2221-0989 (Online) B RPI
Original Article | Open Access | Peer Reviewed ® Check for Updates
Political Sectarianism in...
Hamdon, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Received: 28 June 2025; Accepted: 13 July 2025;
Faculty of Political Science, Ajloun National University, Ajloun, Jordan. Published: 24 Ju...
Sawaluddin, M.Pd.I, Institut Agama Islam Rokan-Riau, Indonesia; ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5041-7301; Email:
regarsawaluddin@gmail.com. Dr. Muhammad Khairi Mahyuddin, Universiti Sains Islam...
In
the contemporary Islamic context, these affiliations are frequently employed to mobilize the public and shape
political alliances, often at the expense of national unity. It is notable that politic...
context:
The discussion extends to the contemporary Islamic context, exploring how sectarian affiliations are utilized to shape political alliances.
fact:
Political sectarianism in the region is not solely based on religious differences; it is often exploited for political, economic, and geopolitical interests.
fact:
Historical power struggles have historically used sectarian affiliations to justify specific political stances.
fact:
Foreign interventions and regional conflicts in modern times have deepened sectarian divisions.
fact:
External colonial interventions, such as the Anglo-American occupation of Iraq, have fueled political sectarianism.
fact:
The Sunni-Shia dichotomy was embedded deeply within political consciousness and state institutions post the Arab Spring.
This division further intensified after the
events of the Arab Spring in 2011. 1. Introduction
The literature surrounding political sectarianism in contemporary Islamic thought, particularly in the c...
Antosh, 2016) contributes to this discourse by analyzing the drivers of sectarian violence in Lebanon, Iraq,
and Turkey. She argues that a deeper understanding of the region's religious and ethnic ide...
fact:
Barakeh (Ghassan Barakeh, 2016) further delves into the narratives surrounding sectarianism, particularly among non-violent Islamist groups utilizing social media as a platform for political expression.
fact:
Alam (Alam, 2017) addresses the historical context of Saudi-Iranian rivalry and how sectarianism complicates international relations and regional stability.
Their work suggests that the strategic use of sectarian identities by political actors can significantly influence the
dynamics of conflict and power relations in the region. 303 Hamdon and Dwairi Int...
Each article contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding sectarian identities and
their implications for political dynamics in the Middle East. This study aims to shed light ...
fact:
The article discusses the impact of the Sunni-Shia divide in the contemporary Islamic context on the formation of regional alliances post-Arab Spring. The research addresses how this sectarian schism has reinforced political sectarianism and reshaped the geopolitical map of alliances in the region post-Arab Spring. Key findings indicate that post-Arab Spring regional transformations (Sunni and Shia) placed regional states in direct confrontation with Iran's expansionist ambitions and led to the exploitation of political sectarianism for various interests. Their work suggests that the strategic use of sectarian identities by political actors can significantly influence the dynamics of conflict and power relations in the region. Each article contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding sectarian identities and their implications for political dynamics in the Middle East.
Practical Significance
From a practical standpoint, this research offers an analytical framework for understanding recent shifts in the map
of regional alliances in the Arab and Islamic worlds. It il...
fact:
The research supports intellectual efforts aimed at mitigating sectarianism and fostering inclusive Islamic discourse.
PWN PR
What is the Sunni-Shia regional transformations after the Arab Spring? Research Objectives
The primary objective of this research is to understand the extent to which the Sunni-Shia divide ha...
It particularly emphasizes the relationship between the Sunni-Shia divide
and the formation of regional alliances, critically analyzing political discourse and regional political alignments. Historica...
fact:
(Martin, 2014) provides a nuanced examination of political transitions in post-Arab Spring Middle East, focusing on Tunisia, Egypt, and Yemen, emphasizing socio-economic factors and youth demographics.
The author argues that the failure of political systems to address these grievances has perpetuated
instability, which is further complicated by the historical Sunni-Shia divide that influences region...
The author posits that GCC
autocrats perceive the rise of Shi’a activism as a direct threat to their power, which has led to an increase in sectarian
rhetoric aimed at scapegoating Shia communities fo...
The
analysis indicates that the path toward reform and greater representation for Shia communities is fraught with
obstacles, particularly in the face of escalating sectarian tensions. Catherine R. An...
interventions, such as in Iraq, where sectarian tensions were exacerbated by foreign involvement. Hamdon and Dwairi 306 International Journal of Humanities and Social Science DOI: https://doi.org/10.3...
fact:
(Antosh, 2016) raises pertinent questions regarding the role of religion in politics, the challenges of secularizing governance, and the influence of leadership on sectarian dynamics. The author emphasizes the need for further research on effective secularization methods that respect religious identities in a post-Arab Spring context.
The competition for power and survival emerges as fundamental motivators for groups engaging in
violent conflict. This perspective underscores the necessity for developing peaceful avenues for express...
The article posits that
such narratives not only fuel animosity but also reinforce a collective identity among Sunni groups that positions
them in opposition to Shia communities. This is particularly ...
fact:
Chen (Chen, 2017) addresses the historical context of Saudi-Iranian rivalry and the weaponization of sectarianism in the quest for regional hegemony.
fact:
The author highlights the significance of a large, unemployed, and disenfranchised youth population as a critical factor influencing political transitions and the Arab Spring movements.
This assertion is significant, as it underscores a historical political strategy where
disunity is utilized to mitigate perceived threats from cohesive groups. The article emphasizes that there have b...
fact:
There have been instances of cooperation among Middle Eastern countries, contradicting the dominant narrative of sectarianism as a divisive force.
fact:
Prior to the Syrian Civil War, Syria had a diverse population including Sunnis, Alawites, Druze, and Christians coexisting within a relatively stable social framework.
fact:
Lebanon's power-sharing governmental structure illustrates a successful attempt at inclusivity, challenging the idea that sectarian identities are the sole determinants of political relationships in the region.
fact:
Historical instances demonstrate Arab unity transcending sectarian lines, such as during the Arab-Israeli conflicts.
fact:
While Sunni populations outnumber Shia globally, Shias constitute a significant majority in the Persian Gulf region, impacting regional dynamics and alliances post-Arab Spring.
In the article, provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical and contemporary dynamics between Saudi Arabia
and Iran, two pivotal players in the Middle East whose sectarian identities significa...
The
author posits that the West's involvement in the region, particularly in the context of the Arab Spring, has been
shaped by the Sunni-Shia divide, leading to a complex interplay of alliances that ...
This perspective is crucial for understanding how sectarian identities are constructed and
mobilized in the political arena, especially in a post-Arab Spring context where traditional state structures...
context:
The discussion now includes the practical significance of the research, emphasizing its analytical framework for understanding recent shifts in regional alliances in the Arab and Islamic worlds.
context:
The discussion now includes an analysis of the relationship between the Sunni-Shia divide and the formation of regional alliances and conflicts, emphasizing political discourse, alignments, and the implications of traditional state structures being challenged post-Arab Spring.
While these models provide valuable insights, they are criticized for their essentialist tendencies, as they overlook
the complexity of individual agency and the multifaceted nature of conflict. In co...
This perspective is
crucial for understanding the dynamics of regional alliances formed in the wake of the Arab Spring, as it shifts the
focus from inherent sectarian animosities to the political cont...
The author highlights the tension between macro-culturalist and micro-rationalist perspectives, noting that while the
former tends to emphasize the overarching cultural narratives that define sectaria...
fact:
Valbjorn and Hinnebusch (Valbjorn & Hinnebusch, 2019) examine the sectarianization of the Middle East in the context of the Syrian Civil War and how interventions by Shia militias have intensified sectarian polarization, emphasizing the historical and contemporary dynamics between Saudi Arabia and Iran as pivotal players in the region.
fact:
Sectarianism has evolved from a mere social mobilization tool to an active element in foreign policy and regional power alliances, notably between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The failure of political systems to address grievances perpetuates instability, further complicated by the historical Sunni-Shia divide influencing regional alliances and conflicts. The West's involvement in the region, particularly in the context of the Arab Spring, has been shaped by the Sunni-Shia divide, leading to a complex interplay of alliances that often prioritize sectarian affiliations over national interests.
fact:
The main research question addresses the contribution of the Sunni-Shia divide to entrenching political sectarianism within contemporary Islamic thought and its influence on regional alliances post-Arab Spring. The article provides a comprehensive examination of the intricate dynamics of sectarianism in the Middle East, particularly in the context of the Sunni-Shia divide following the Arab Spring. The authors argue that the regional power struggle, predominantly between Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran, has significantly influenced interventions in various countries, exacerbating sectarian polarization in the long term.
fact:
The historical method tracks the origins of political sectarianism, the historical formation of the Sunni-Shia division, reviewing historical developments and key events that transformed sectarian diversity into conflicts. The article's comparative approach allows for a thorough analysis of how each country's unique political landscape has been shaped by both internal dynamics and external influences.
fact:
Saudi Arabia and Iran, as pivotal players in the Middle East, have their sectarian identities significantly influence their political interactions and regional alliances.
Conclusionora
The literature surrounding political sectarianism in contemporary Islamic thought, particularly regarding the Sunni-
Shia divide and its implications for regional alliances post-Arab Sp...
(Chen, 2017) and (Alam, 2017) address the historical context of Saudi-Iranian rivalry, critiquing the
oversimplification of sectarian conflicts and emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of ...
Political Sectarianism in Contemporary Islamic Thought:
The Impact of the Sunni-Shia Divide on the Formation of Regional Alliances after the Arab Spring
1. The Nature of Political Sectarianism
Poli...
It can specifically denote a group
unified by religious doctrine, ethnicity, or professional affiliation. Political sectarianism is a relatively modern concept, highlighting the shift of sectarian ide...
fact:
Political sectarianism highlights the shift of sectarian identities from societal groups to political representation, politicizing sectarian affiliations.
fact:
The core danger of political sectarianism is its transition from societal level diversity to political institutions aiming to monopolize power for specific sectarian interests at the expense of national unity.
fact:
Definitions of political sectarianism emphasize its instrumentalization of religious or sectarian affiliations for political gain.
fact:
Badareen (2014) defined political sectarianism as 'utilizing religion from a sectarian perspective for worldly political objectives, not necessarily serving the interests of the sect itself' (p. 131).
fact:
Bashara (2018) described political sectarianism as 'a pattern of political bias with sectarian or religious camouflage, employed by politicians—often driven by personal interests rather than religious convictions—to manipulate people's sectarian sentiments for political advantage' (p. 52).
context:
The discussion now incorporates definitions and examples of political sectarianism, highlighting the distinction between societal and political manifestations.
The
former is historically and socially inherent, while the latter politically exploits sectarian identity, compelling sect
members to submit to political agendas justified through religious commonali...
The Umayyad period exacerbated sectarian divisions due to the rulers’ political necessity for legal and ideological
frameworks opposing rival groups, fostering independent sectarian identities. Moreov...
This section is structured into two subsections: forms of sectarian conflict and their political-military implications,
and the regional transformations post-Arab Spring. 2.1 Forms of Sectarian Confli...
context:
The new section focuses on forms of sectarian conflict and their political-military implications, as well as the regional transformations post-Arab Spring.
Conversely, Iran cultivated figures such as Saudi-born Ma’an al-
Jarba, founder of the "Karama Movement" in Lebanon, whose Sunni Shafi'i-Ash'ari heritage resonated strategically
with Iranian interests...
Therefore, this sectarian conflict is not limited to political elites but permeates societal and educational spheres,
including media, school curricula, universities, and religious institutions, parti...
Additionally, Iran supported
Yemen’s Houthis, undermining democratic aspirations and national dialogue outcomes, explicitly manipulating the
Arab Spring for its regional interests (Abo Aisha, 2018). C...
The
research was structured into an introduction and two main sections, concluding with a set of findings and
corresponding recommendations. 3.1 Key Findings
1. Sectarianism vs. Political Sectarianis...
fact:
Sectarianism vs. Political Sectarianism: Sectarianism is a socio-religious historical phenomenon. In contrast, political sectarianism is a political construct that imposes sectarian frameworks on individuals under the pretense of shared religious identity.
Educational and Social Entrenchment: Sectarian conflict has been institutionalized through public
discourse, media, religious sermons, and educational curricula, especially in conflict zones such as L...
fact:
The roots of political sectarianism in the Islamic world are deeply intertwined with political power struggles, particularly following the Prophet Muhammad's death. However, the transition from doctrinal dispute to institutionalized political sectarianism emerged prominently in later periods when ruling elites began exploiting sectarian affiliations to serve political legitimacy and interest. Post-Arab Spring Dynamics: The Arab Spring catalyzed direct confrontation between regional powers— primarily Saudi Arabia and Iran. This period marked one of the most intense phases of geopolitical conflict, with actors weaponizing economic and political transitions for strategic advantage, often at the expense of grassroots democratic aspirations.
fact:
Sectarian conflict has been institutionalized through public discourse, media, religious sermons, and educational curricula, especially in conflict zones such as Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and Syria. Worryingly, children's education has become saturated with sectarian rhetoric, potentially compromising future societal cohesion.
Curricular Reform: It is essential to revise religious education curricula in Muslim-majority countries to
remove content that incites sectarian hatred or reinforces negative stereotypes. Educational ...
fact:
Curricular Reform: It is essential to revise religious education curricula in Muslim-majority countries to remove content that incites sectarian hatred or reinforces negative stereotypes. Educational reforms should promote dialogue, coexistence, and tolerance.
fact:
Research and Monitoring Centers: Establish independent research centers dedicated to analyzing and monitoring sectarian discourse in media, politics, and religious institutions. These centers should provide evidence-based policy recommendations to decision-makers.
fact:
Inter-Sectarian Dialogue Initiatives: Governments should facilitate official reconciliation initiatives and open religious-political dialogue channels—especially between key regional actors like Saudi Arabia and Iran—to foster cooperation and reduce sectarian tensions.
fact:
Empowering Civil Society: Civil society organizations must be supported in their efforts to promote national belonging, social cohesion, and awareness of the dangers of political sectarianism.
Empowering Civil Society: Civil society organizations must be supported in their efforts to promote
national belonging, social cohesion, and awareness of the dangers of political sectarianism. 6. Comp...
context:
Comparative Case Studies: Scholars and policymakers should examine successful models of inter-sectarian coexistence—such as in Oman or Malaysia—to extract transferable strategies adaptable to other national contexts.
fact:
Abo Razek, M. (2020, January 19). The Story Behind the Iran-Arab Dispute Over the Term “Arabian Gulf”. Al-Khaleej Online. https://cutt.us/Osr3b
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Abu Aisha, N. M. M. (2018). Political sectarianism and its role in aborting the Arab Spring: Syria as a model (Master’s thesis, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine).
Political sectarianism and its role in aborting the Arab Spring: Syria as a model (Master’s
thesis, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine). Alam, F. (2017). SAUDI-IRAN RIVALRY AND ITS IMPACT...
Beyond structure and agency: rethinking political identities in Iraq after 2003. [PDF]
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Humanities Annals, 39(1), 163. Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The views, opinions, and data presented in ...
BRPI and the editorial team disclaim any liability for any harm to individuals or property arising from the use of any
ideas, methods, instructions, or products mentioned in the content. 315 Hamdon an...