Transnational Wilayat Al-Faqih

Abstract

This chapter explores the development of the Wilayat al-Faqih doctrine, transnational Shiʿi politics, and the export of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, and argues that this pillar of Hizbullah’s identity is a modern development. To support this contention, the chapter demonstrates that the development of the Shiʿi clerical establishment into a powerful institution took place in the nineteenth century, when the advent of print technology helped consolidate its political power. This gradual process continued until Khomeini’s formulation of Wilayat al-Faqih over two phases, under the influence of state reform. The chapter examines the transnational links shared by Hizbullah and Shiʿi groups in other countries in a comparative perspective, examining the tensions between the Wilayat al-Faqih and national politics, when and where it arises. Iranian national interests outplay the transnational links, especially in neighbouring countries, where a more inclusive approach is required, such as in the case of the Shiʿi Hazaras of Afghanistan. Such tensions between the national and transnational increase in Iran’s neighbouring countries, where a foreign policy based on realpolitik outplays ideology, and transnational ideologies and doctrines take on national forms and identities, more suited for popular support.