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Photo of Oliver Scharbrodt

Oliver Scharbrodt

Researcher

Photo of Oliver Scharbrodt

Transnational Shia Networks and the Islamic Republic of Iran

Author

  • Oliver Scharbrodt

Editor

  • Jocelyne Cesari
  • Liah Greenfeld

Summary, in English

This chapter explores the intricate dynamics of transnational Shia networks and their relationship with Iran, focusing on the latter's aspiration to dominate global Shiism and the resistance it faces. It analyzes the transnational character of Shia clerical networks, which have been pivotal in political and communal mobilization since the 1950s, particularly in Iraq. Post-1979, Iran leveraged these networks to export its revolution and advance geopolitical interests; though post-2003, alternative centers like Najaf emerged, offering a counterpoint to Iran's ideology. The chapter highlights diverse Shia activism, encompassing political, military, clerical, charitable, devotional, and ideational forms, and underscores the complex interplay between transnational networks, local contexts, and the cosmopolitan nature of clerical families. It examines the marginalization of Shia populations in Gulf states, where Sunni-majority governments have historically excluded them from national identity formation and state institutions. The rise of oppositional clerics like Khomeini reflected broader ideological dissent against modernization and secularization. The chapter analyzes these dynamics, highlighting the translocal and transnational character of Shia clerical networks and their complex interactions with state power.

Department/s

  • History of Religions and Religious Behavioural Science
  • Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies (CMES)
  • MECW: The Middle East in the Contemporary World
  • Islamic Studies

Publishing year

2025

Language

English

Pages

311-325

Publication/Series

The Wiley Companion to Religion, Politics, and Nations

Document type

Book chapter

Publisher

Wiley

Topic

  • Religious Studies
  • History
  • Political Science

Keywords

  • Al Khalifa family
  • Eastern provinces
  • Hezbollah
  • khums
  • militant revolutionary activism
  • senior cleric
  • Shia
  • Shia population
  • Shia transnationalism
  • Tehran

Status

Published

Project

  • Alterumma - Creating an Alternative umma: Clerical Authority and Religio-political Mobilisation in Transnational Shii Islam

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISBN: 9781394240548
  • ISBN: 9781394240517