Sectarian governance

Definition

Sectarian governance refers to a political system where power and authority are distributed based on sectarian identities, primarily within the context of religious or ethnic groups. This approach often reinforces divisions and can exacerbate tensions between different communities, especially in regions where sectarian identities, such as Sunni and Shia Islam, play a significant role in political dynamics and social relations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sectarian governance has been a significant factor in the political landscape of countries like Iraq and Lebanon, where power-sharing arrangements are often based on sectarian affiliations.
2. In Iraq, the rise of sectarian governance post-2003 has led to increased tensions between Sunni and Shia communities, contributing to cycles of violence and instability.
3. Sectarian governance can lead to exclusionary policies that marginalize minority groups and undermine national unity, creating environments ripe for conflict.
4. The concept is closely tied to the idea of identity politics, where political allegiance is often determined more by sectarian identity than by broader national issues or policies.
5. International influences, including foreign interventions and support for specific sectarian groups, have further complicated the dynamics of sectarian governance in the Middle East.

Review Questions

• How does sectarian governance shape political dynamics in countries with significant Sunni and Shia populations?
  • Sectarian governance influences political dynamics by creating power-sharing arrangements that reflect sectarian identities. In countries like Iraq and Lebanon, this results in political leaders primarily representing their sect rather than the broader national interest. This structure can lead to increased polarization and conflict between Sunni and Shia communities as they vie for resources and political power, ultimately hindering national cohesion and stability.
• Discuss the implications of sectarian governance on social relations among different communities within a state.
  • Sectarian governance can have profound implications for social relations among communities. By institutionalizing divisions based on religious or ethnic identities, it reinforces stereotypes and creates mistrust among different groups. The resulting environment can foster hostility and violence, making reconciliation efforts more difficult. Moreover, marginalized groups may feel excluded from political processes, further deepening societal divides.
• Evaluate the role of external actors in influencing sectarian governance and its consequences for regional stability.
  • External actors play a crucial role in shaping sectarian governance through direct intervention, support for specific factions, or diplomatic pressure. Their involvement can exacerbate existing tensions by bolstering one side over another or by failing to promote inclusive governance practices. This external influence often leads to increased violence and instability in the region, as local conflicts become entangled with broader geopolitical interests. Consequently, the prospects for sustainable peace are diminished as sectarian divides are reinforced rather than bridged.

Related terms

Sectarianism: A belief or practice that emphasizes the interests of a particular sect, often leading to discrimination or conflict against other sects.

Clientelism: A political system where goods and services are exchanged for political support, often along sectarian lines, strengthening patron-client relationships within communities.

Political Islam: A movement that seeks to apply Islamic principles to political governance, which can create sectarian divides when different Islamic factions compete for power.