TITLE:
Towards a Pragmatic but Moral Approach: Rethinking Islamic International Relations
AUTHORS:
Mohammad Abu Ghazleh
KEYWORDS:
IR in Islam, War and Peace, Traditional Theory, Contemporary Theory, Preemptive Wars
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Political Science,
Vol.15 No.2,
April
7,
2025
ABSTRACT: This study has dual objectives: First, to scrutinize diverse perspectives within traditional foreign relations theory through the lens of authentic Islamic principles, drawing insights from historical Islamic conquests, wars, and conflicts. Second, it aims to construct a realistic theoretical framework aligning with contemporary international relations concepts without contradicting historical Islamic State external relations. Emphasizing a non-jurisprudential approach, the study seeks to enhance understanding of Muslim States’ relationships with other nations and societies. Rooted in Quranic texts, it establishes five key principles for the contemporary Islamic theory of international relations: global unity, peace as a foundational element, cautious construction and use of force for deterrence and defense, and categorical rejection of preemptive wars. The study asserts that peace is the unequivocal legal foundation for these relations, offering a comprehensive and realistic comprehension of Islamic States’ historical and present external engagements.