Mapping the network of Shiʿi clerical relations in the Middle East: an analytical approach

Abstract

ABSTRACT While Shiʿi clerics are among the most influential political actors in the Middle East today, there remains insufficient understanding of the network of relationships that links them together and shapes their politics. This article argues that understanding the influence of Shiʿi clerical elites in the region requires a more systematic exploration of their internal dynamics, including how individuals within the clerical elite ascend through the hierarchy and the legacy they carry. Without this knowledge, comprehending where, when, and how new leaders (maraji’) will emerge, as well as the impact they are likely to have on the politics of their societies and beyond, remains challenging. To illuminate these dynamics and better understand the influence of this important group of actors, this article proposes an approach that aims to map the interconnected world of the Shiʿi clergy using quantitative network analysis. It argues that network analysis can complement existing qualitative studies by illuminating latent connections among the Shiʿi clergy; and, ultimately, can offer a more authoritative foundation for forecasting the identity and politics of future Shiʿi marjaʿiyya.