Political Sectarianism in Contemporary Islamic Thought: The Impact of the Sunni–Shia Divide on the Formation of Regional Alliances after the Arab Spring
Hani Mefleh O. Hamdon, Awad Abdulraheem Awad A Dwairi

Abstract
This research aims to examine the extent to which the Sunni–Shia divide has contributed to consolidating political sectarianism within contemporary Islamic thought and how this has impacted regional alliances after the Arab Spring. The research addresses how this sectarian schism has reinforced political sectarianism and reshaped the geopolitical map of alliances in the region post-Arab Spring. Given the complexity of the subject, encompassing both ideological and political dimensions, this study utilizes an analytical-synthetic approach combined with descriptive and historical methods. Key findings indicate that post-Arab Spring regional transformations (Sunni and Shia) placed regional states in direct confrontation with Iran's expansionist ambitions, marking one of the most intense phases of conflict characterized by significant political and economic shifts. Each party strives to capitalize on these changes in alignment with their strategic interests, often neglecting popular aspirations. The study recommends that religious and intellectual institutions in the Islamic world revive a discourse of Islamic unity grounded in common ethical and doctrinal principles, rejecting exclusionary tendencies fueling political sectarianism through educational platforms, media, and advocacy.

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