Security and Foreign Policy in the Muslim World

Instructor:  Dr. Jaan Islam

Date/times:

June 27 - August 15, Saturdays 12 PM - 2 PM US Eastern Standard Time

Course level:

Intermediate/Advanced

Course description:

How do shifts in global power affect the prospects for independence in the Muslim world? How can political actors craft realistic foreign policies grounded in the Islamic tradition?

This landmark course introduces a new paradigm to security and international relations (IR) in the Muslim world. Combining modern IR and security studies with classical Islamic political theory and Siyasah, we will establish the foundations of a comprehensive Islamic foreign policy. In eight weeks, we will cover:
•    Foundations of International Relations and Securitization theory
•    Postcolonial Islamic movements and non-State Actors (1924-2026)
•    Siyasa and Shari’a in the Classical Islamic Tradition
•    Critiques of Contemporary Security and IR Frameworks Applied by the Muslim World
•    Islamic Foreign Policy and Realpolitik: Theory and Applications

This course represents a shift from existing discourse on siyar (international law) by moving the focus to security strategy and foreign policy omitted in Islamic legal discourses. It offers a practical outlook that takes 20th century revivalism, statist secularism, instability, & non-state actors as a starting point to articulate a strategy for paradigmatic change. In doing so, the vision is fundamentally engrained in traditional Islamic sciences, including ethics (akhlaq), jurisprudence (fiqh) and theology (aqida). 

Student Learning Outcomes: 

The primary objective of this course is to learn contemporary applications of Islamic statecraft, a field that lies on the nexus of political jurisprudence (siyāsa shar’iyya) and foreign policy strategy. In applying a robust understanding of revealed sources, this course reconstructs a theory in which pious cultivation (taqwa-centric governance) serves as the strategic driving force of foreign policy: war, peace, aid and soft power. 

As part of its raison d’être, then, this course includes the following auxiliary objectives: 
•    Gaining a strong grasp of spheres of Siyasa (statecraft/realpolitik) and Shari’a (fiqh of governance), including models of conflict and complementariness
•    A strong foundation in Securitization theory and theories of International Relations, including Realism, Liberalism & Constructivism
•    Understanding shifts in the balance of power since the Cold War, 9/11, Afghanistan (2021) and Gaza (2023-Present), and the role of Islamic revivalist movements (Jamaat-e-Islami, Ikhwan, HT, etc.)
•    Articulating Muslim actors’ foreign policy — violence, diplomacy, foreign aid and soft power initiatives — grounded in the tradition and material/political reality (al-wāqi’).

Attendance & Participation: 

While this is an online course, students are expected to attend all the lectures and complete any set essays for the course. Attendance is required for at least 75% of the classes, and while attendance registers will not be taken at the start of the classes, a note will be made on who is attending.  Absences can disrupt the classes, so please try to attend as much as possible. There is a recording of the class available but it is for a limited time only.

Term essay: 

All papers must approximately 1500 words long. While secondary sources must be from an academic publisher (Yale University Press, Oneworld, American University in Cairo Press, International Institute of Islamic Thought, I.B. Taurus, etc. Ask me if you are not sure), primary sources can be academic or university publishing houses. I am at your service and am willing to give you plenty of advice and point you towards many sources and tools.

Course schedule: