The Religious Variable and International Relations: Restructuring the Geopolitics of Religion in the Middle East in Light of the Propositions of the Universal Unifying Monotheistic Approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64184/ajlps.V3.I3.Y2026.p.429-471.412Keywords:
beliefs, Identity, World peace, Religious dimension, International relations.Abstract
After the prevailing neglect of the religious factor in explaining the nature of interactions—within the frameworks of international theories and stemming from the dominance of secularism in modern industrial societies—there has been a shift in international thinking. This shift moves from interpreting international relations solely through the influence of traditional variables (economy, military power) to recognizing the impact of non-material factors (religion, identity, ideas, beliefs), without diminishing the role of traditional factors. By focusing on the concepts of identity, religion, and beliefs as central elements that shape interests and provide explanations for certain conflicts and wars, some ideas have emerged that emphasize renewing religious approaches aimed at finding a single common ground among the three Abrahamic religions (Islam, Christianity, and Judaism) to merge them into one religion. This initiative seeks to undermine the core tenets of Islam and exploit it for political purposes.
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