The ethical views of Islam in international relations

Abstract

Given the intrinsic orientation of humankind towards society, humans in their mutual life form communities at different levels, such as families, tribes, ethnic groups, nations, and the world. The primary goal in such a formation is self-interest. However, various conflicting interests inevitably lead to disputes and complications. Therefore, in order to avoid the harmful consequences of such situations and also to avail self-interest, humans are in need of some definite criteria. One of the most important levels of human interaction happens on the international level. This includes relations between governments, foreign groups, organizations and even individuals of different countries. These relationships remain immune to vulnerability as long as they are based on reasonable and intellectual standards. Many schools and thoughts have been pursued in order to find the most productive one in various fields, including that of international relations. Among many religions, sects and schools, Islam, emphasizing the value of justice, provides a comprehensive set of criteria based upon ethics and sharia for the purpose of regulating human relations in the international arena. In light of the aforementioned view, the authors, by referring to various resources in library-oriented research, seek to utilize the data in a descriptive-analytical methodology, in trying to investigate the question of what the approach of Islam is with regard to ethics in international relations. The authors firmly believe that Islam, in the ranks of the normative or value theories of international relations, deals with the dangers and failures of international relations theories and describes and prescribes international relations as it ought to be, putting emphasis on the ethical approach.

Keywords

• ethics
• international relations
• Islam
• Quran
• religion