Islamic Political Theology and Its Influence on Contemporary International Relations in Muslim-Majority States

This study examines how Islamic political theology influences contemporary international relations in Muslim-majority states. Despite the persistence of secular assumptions in mainstream International Relations (IR) theory, religious frameworks continue to shape state behavior, identity formation, and foreign policy in much of the Muslim world. Through qualitative analysis combining textual examination of Islamic political thought with comparative case studies of Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, this research demonstrates that Islamic theology influences international relations through multiple mechanisms: constitutively shaping state identity and interests, institutionally embedding theological principles in governance structures, normatively providing standards for policy legitimization, and rhetorically serving as a mobilizational resource. The findings reveal significant variation in how states interpret and apply Islamic political theology, reflecting different theological traditions (Sunni vs. Shi'a), political systems (theocracy, monarchy, republic), and strategic contexts. While all three cases demonstrate pragmatic flexibility in balancing theological principles with strategic interests, Islamic theology nonetheless meaningfully constrains and enables foreign policy options. This research contributes to IR scholarship by specifying mechanisms of religious influence on state behavior, challenging Eurocentric theoretical assumptions, and demonstrating the need for analytical frameworks that can accommodate non-Western normative traditions. The study concludes that Islamic political theology offers both genuine policy guidance and legitimizing rhetoric, with these functions coexisting rather than being mutually exclusive.