Re-thinking Contemporary International Relations (IR) in Islam

Abstract: The organising principle of international relations (IR) in Islam IS distinguished by two approaches. Firstly, the conflict-oriented traditionalist view that divides the world into diir al-lslam and diir al-harb tl1at incorporates qitii.l or fight into its theory of foreign relations between states, the rule of law and secunty of Muslims; and also da wah as a core responsibility of the Islamic state. Secondly, the pacifist or non­ traditional view of the realist one world or dar al­ ahd where Muslim countries enter into covenants and have diplomatic ties witll non-Muslim countries, buila military power with restricted conditions for its use; and facilitate da wah through peaceful and cooperative relations. This paper will argue that the two arproaches in relation to tile organising principle ofiR in Islam i.e. tile division ofdar al-Js[am ana dar al-harb; and dar al-ahd have commonalities with the neo-realist and neo-liberal approaches of conventional IR theory and can also acquire sophistication from constructivism and otl1er alternative approaches. It will also argue tl1at with a more nuancea interpretation of IR tfieory in Islam, the behaviour of states and non-state Muslim actors will be better accoun ted for as a descriptive and normative exercise.