Role of Educational Centers in the Formation and Development of the Transnational Shi‘ite Movement

Abstract

The article is devoted to identifying the influence of Shi‘ite educational centers located in Iraq and Iran on the formation of transnational Shi’ite movements in conditions when Iran is faced with accusations of trying to create a “Shi‘ite Crescent” or to consolidate Shi‘ite communities living across the Middle East. Educational centers play a decisive role in shaping the political outlook of ordinary Shi‘ites, since it is in the course of training that Shi‘ites fall under the ideological influence of one or another religious authority – marja‘ al-taqlid. Subsequently, upon returning to their homeland, Shi‘ites who are actively involved in political activities continue to promote the views instilled in them by their teacher at the educational center. The rivalry of educational centers for attracting students is natural, as well as the competition of views on the participation of Shi‘ite religious leaders in political processes, aggravated by the split into supporters and opponents of “governmental Shi‘ism” in Iran itself. This rivalry determines the lack of unity within the transnational Shi‘ism, which suggests that even if Iran has ambitions to create a “united Shi‘ite front”, they currently have no ideological basis. This conclusion supports the thesis of the “information war” unfolding around the Islamic Republic, aimed at preventing Iran from becoming a regional leader. At the same time, it is fundamentally important that scientific research does not follow the lead of the political conjuncture, considering Iran’s activities to create Pax Islamica Shi‘a for granted, but identify the real possibilities and limitations of Tehran in this area.