Sectarianism

Definition

Sectarianism refers to the division of people based on their sect or religious affiliations, often leading to conflict and discrimination between different groups. This phenomenon is particularly significant in the Middle East, where diverse religious communities exist and tensions can arise from historical grievances and political power struggles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sectarianism has played a major role in the Lebanese Civil War, as various religious groups fought for control and influence over the government.
2. In post-war Iraq, sectarian conflict emerged as a significant challenge to governance, with tensions between Sunni and Shia Muslims leading to violence and instability.
3. The rise of ISIS was fueled by sectarian divisions, as the group capitalized on grievances among Sunni communities against the Shia-led government in Iraq.
4. Hezbollah's power in Lebanon is often viewed through a sectarian lens, as it represents Shia interests while positioning itself against both Sunni rivals and external threats like Israel.
5. Sectarianism complicates movements for national unity, as leaders often exploit religious divisions to gain support from their respective communities.

Review Questions

• How does sectarianism manifest in the political landscape of Lebanon, particularly with its confessional political system?
  • In Lebanon, sectarianism is deeply entrenched in its confessional political system, which allocates government positions according to religious affiliation. This structure reflects the country's diverse religious makeup and aims to ensure representation of different sects. However, it also exacerbates divisions, leading to competition for power among various groups and contributing to conflicts like the Lebanese Civil War. This system highlights how sectarian identities can shape political dynamics and influence governance.
• Evaluate the impact of sectarianism on the reconstruction efforts in post-war Iraq.
  • Sectarianism has severely impacted reconstruction efforts in post-war Iraq by creating an environment of distrust and violence between Sunni and Shia communities. After the fall of Saddam Hussein, many Sunni groups felt marginalized by the new Shia-led government, which fueled resentment and led to insurgency movements. The ongoing sectarian conflict complicates rebuilding infrastructure, fostering economic growth, and establishing effective governance since factions prioritize their sectarian interests over national unity.
• Analyze how the emergence of ISIS illustrates the role of sectarianism in shaping contemporary conflicts in the Middle East.
  • The emergence of ISIS is a stark example of how sectarianism shapes contemporary conflicts in the Middle East. ISIS exploited deep-rooted Sunni grievances against the Shia-majority government in Iraq, portraying itself as a defender of Sunni rights. This narrative attracted recruits and fueled violence, leading to brutal confrontations that transcended borders. The rise of ISIS underscores how sectarian identities can be manipulated for political purposes and how such divisions can escalate into widespread conflict.

Related terms

Confessionalism: A political system that allocates power among different sects or religious groups, often seen in Lebanon's governance structure.

Ethno-sectarian violence: Violence that arises from ethnic and sectarian divisions, often resulting in clashes between groups based on their identities.

Inter-sect relations: The dynamics and interactions between different sects within a society, which can range from cooperation to hostility.