The intertwining of religious and sectarian identities with politics, and the evolution of Sunni-Shia sectarian conflict in the Middle East

Abstract

This study discusses the levels of intersection between religious-sectarian factors and political factors in the emergence and development of Sunni-Shia sectarian conflict, and its repercussions on regional balance in the Middle East. From a foundational perspective, it identifies the differences between Sunni and Shia in the realms of political power and governance. From an interactive standpoint, it dissects the manifestations of the Sunni-Shia sectarian conflict prevalent in the Middle East as a byproduct of international relations marked by sectarianism, with a binary structure led by Saudi Arabia representing the Sunni side and Iran representing the Shia side. The study concludes that the success of both states in incorporating religious sectarianism into political agendas has dragged them into regional conflicts, undermining their political stability, as well as the stability of all multi-sectarian countries in the region.