International Security and Islamic Studies

Abstract

Security is an essential social and political institution for International Relations and the cornerstone of International Security Studies. In this sense, the role of religion is increasingly relevant, recognised as a key factor in global politics. With regard to Islam, its examination has been marked by the phenomena of terrorism or other revolutionary political processes and their direct impact on security. However, a careful observation of its fundamental sources uncovers ideas related to security and its connection with administration, military strategies, justice or ethics. This knowledge has been almost neglected by International Security Studies vis-à-vis Islamic Studies. This article researches this unexamined issue from this interdisciplinary perspective, applying a Grounded Theory analysis of Quran and Sunnah. Its main findings show how security and peace are complementary concepts, in addition to the possibility of building an Islamic approach within International Security Studies based on other essential elements in the Islamic tradition.