Political Theory

H16(a) - Religion and Politics

Date: Jun 5 | Time: 08:30am to 10:00am | Location:

Chair/Président/Présidente : Taylor Green (University of Victoria)

Discussant/Commentateur/Commentatrice : Simon Kow (King's University)

The Political Thought of Neo-Salafism: A Comparative Analysis of ISIS in Concepts, Objectives, and Strategies: Maral Biabanpeima (Islamic Azad University Science and Research Branch)
Abstract: The emphasis on Quranic scripture, the Prophet’s traditions (Sunnah), and a return to the practices of the early Islamic predecessors (salaf) plays a crucial role in shaping Islamic political ideology. Many Islamic theorists argue that human salvation depends on the establishment of a universal Islamic Caliphate and adherence to Islamic commandments, with the Quran as the ultimate source of legitimacy. This belief can be traced back to the 8th century SH and the teachings of Ibn Taymiyyah, although some scholars attribute the origins of Salafism to Ahmad ibn Hanbal. This study focuses on the impact of Ibn Taymiyyah’s ideas on the development of Salafist ideology, particularly how his thought has influenced contemporary theorists who have transformed Salafism. In this context, Islamic fundamentalism has evolved across three key dimensions: meaning, solution, and strategy, which differentiate traditional Salafism from neo-Salafism. While both movements emphasize the legitimacy of Quranic scripture and share a common source of inspiration, their practical applications have diverged significantly. This paper explores the views of various Muslim theorists, assesses the performance of Islamic states, and clarifies the distinctions between Salafism and neo-Salafism in their approach to governance. Keywords: Salafism, neo-Salafism, Islamic political thought, Ibn Taymiyyah, fundamentalism, Quranic legitimacy, Caliphate, political violence, Islamic governance, religious ideology

Of Rapture and Rubble: the political and apocalyptic discourse of American Christian Zionists following October 7th: Sarah Hynek (Wilfrid Laurier University)
Abstract: This work contributes to a prolific body of scholarship on the history and political implications of Christian Zionism in the (human) security of the Middle East and beyond. Its contributions are firstly theoretical through conceptualizing Christian Zionism as a discourse and ‘regime of truth’ in the Foucauldian sense, where power is negotiated through theological, geopolitical, military and economic intersections. This work is also empirically significant in analyzing the apocalyptic and prophetic roadmap – of rapture, revelation and Armageddon – proclaimed by John Hagee Ministries and Christians United for Israel (CUFI), a formal lobby group and the largest American Christian Zionist organization, which is also connected with the CUFI Action Fund. Their framing of human destruction is analyzed, supported by recurrent themes of ‘end times’ eschatology, on and proceeding the October 7 Attack through sermons, social media outputs and outreach materials. This article examines the political, material and human consequences of a discourse which limits belonging to ‘God’s chosen people’ and fuses theological interpretation to military expansion and colonization, concerted political lobbying and campaigns of political activism.

Believe in Something, Even if it Means Sacrificing Everything: Toward a Pastoral Understanding of The Mission Statement: Hailey-Ann Walker (Carleton University)
Abstract: Today, the act of crafting and publicizing corporate mission statements has become a second-nature practice across a wide variety of private, public, and philanthropic institutions. Despite the incredibly commonplace use of the corporate mission statement, little literature exists on the distinctly political and governmental significance of this practice. Existing research on the corporate mission statement exists largely in managerial and corporate strategy literature, alongside limited politico-economic interventions examining the mission statement as a corporate tool of discursive manipulation. This paper supplements and reorients our understanding of the corporate mission statement by revealing the fragmented theological underpinnings of this 'missionary' practice; theological fragments which allow us to conceptualize the governmental function(s) of such a practice. Drawing on the thought of Michel Foucault, Carl Schmitt, and Walter Benjamin, the paper situates the mission statement as a governmentalized practice which operates in and through a mutated pastoral logic. By positioning the mission statement as a problem of government, the corporate mission statement is revealed as much more than the discursive weaponry of cynical corporate spin doctors. Through the disjointed mobilization of religious ideas like salvation and sacrifice, the mission statement functions as part of a wider art of government wherein individuals are simultaneously disciplined like sheep and incited as active and willing shepherds who serve the ends of modern government.