Description
Tracing the Sunni–Shia divide from its historical roots to its modern political consequences, this incisive work follows how religious authority and revolutionary movements have repeatedly reshaped power across the Muslim world. From the provocative rise of Ayatollah Khomeini to the shifting influence of figures such as Ayatollah Sistani in Najaf, the narrative connects sectarian tensions to state strategy, foreign policy, and the broader currents of political Islam. Vali Nasr’s analysis highlights the ways communities mobilize around faith while leaders exploit sectarian identities—offering a clear-eyed account of why these conflicts persist and how they can be de-escalated. Written with the clarity and urgency of a major political historian, the book argues that the path forward depends on confronting ancient rivalries with durable, peaceful solutions rather than cycles of retaliation.
Available Editions
paperback
Norton & Company, Incorporated, W. W.
Published Jan 1, 2016
320 pages
ISBN: 9780393353389
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Details
First Published
2006
Language
eng
Content Warnings
No content warnings identified.