Transformation of Sunni-Shia Relations in Islam: Evolution, Politicization and Internationalization

Abstract

Given the rapid pace of development of Islamic countries, the strengthening of their positions in the international arena, and their heterogeneity in terms of religious and denominational orientation, Islamic states often antagonize each other and undermine security both in the Middle East region and in the world as a whole, thus giving rise to global problems such as international terrorism, the financing of terrorism and war, global economic crises, and other challenges. The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the division within the Islamic community and the phenomenon of Shiite-Sunni confrontation, its historical roots and unique specifics in order to understand its practical significance for shaping the regional agenda in the Middle East, regional security, the foreign policy of Islamic states, and the behavior of leading Islamic states in the international arena.

The following methods were used in the course of the study: historical analysis, synthesis, analogy, case study, and generalization.

As a result, the historical dimension of the confrontation between Islamic movements and their influence on the formation of order and the system of relations in the Middle East, the influence on the foreign policy of the major powers of the Islamic world fighting for leadership in the region, as well as the security challenges and their consequences resulting from the Shiite-Sunni hostility.

In conclusion, the study proved that Islam, from its inception to the present day, has played an important role not only as a guide for individuals, but also as a source of ideology, laws, rules, doctrines, and even foreign policy decisions of states. At the same time, the Islamic ummah faced theological and political challenges in its early stages of development, which would grow into internal struggles within the Islamic world and accompany Muslims and their socio-political systems for centuries.