Securitizing God: State Sovereignty and Religious Education in the Middle East

• In Event: 40420 - Section on Political Sociology Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 13: The Politics of Education

Abstract

This study investigates the dynamic interplay between state sovereignty and religious education in the Arab Gulf post-9/11, spotlighting the intricate balance between national educational autonomy and global security imperatives. The securitization of Islamic education following the September 11 attacks has prompted significant discourse and policy shifts, with Western narratives frequently associating religious curricula in Muslim-majority countries with the proliferation of extremist ideologies. This paper critically analyzes these shifts, highlighting the tensions and negotiations inherent in the globalized sphere of educational policy. Drawing from a comprehensive review of historical accounts, theoretical perspectives on state sovereignty, and empirical case studies from the Arab Gulf, this research elucidates how regional states have responded to international pressures for educational reform. It interrogates the extent to which external influences, primarily from U.S.-based NGOs, think tanks, and lobbying entities, have shaped policy decisions and discourse around Islamic education. The findings reveal a complex landscape where educational policies are entangled with broader geopolitical strategies and international relations, underscoring the role of education in soft power dynamics. The paper argues that these developments raise pivotal questions about the future trajectory of sovereign educational policy-making, particularly in contexts where national identity and global security narratives converge. By providing a nuanced exploration of these issues, this study contributes to sociological understandings of state sovereignty in the context of globalized education reform. It offers insights into the challenges and prospects for states in the Arab Gulf navigating the delicate balance between external educational mandates and internal cultural and religious imperatives.

Author

• Sharif Ibrahim El Shishtawy Hassan, Northwestern University