Note: Dr. Majid Kianinezhad is an expert at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has studied in the Islamic Seminary, and earned his doctorate in Religious Studies from the University of Religions and Denominations. These qualifications place him among the individuals most familiar with the jurisprudence of international relations. We conversed with him regarding the future of the jurisprudence of international relations. According to this Ministry of Foreign Affairs expert, the future of the jurisprudence of international relations is very bright, provided that jurists enter this domain seriously. He believes that the jurisprudence of the Ahl al-Bayt (a) can, through its teachings and values, alter international norms, hegemons, and regimes. He considers global topics such as the family crisis among the issues for which the school of the Ahl al-Bayt (a) possesses abundant teachings and values to resolve. The detailed exclusive interview of Contemporary Jurisprudence with this researcher of the jurisprudence of international relations is presented below:
Contemporary Jurisprudence: Will the method of “researching” and “resolving” issues in the jurisprudence of international relations change over the next 100 years? How do you think these changes will manifest?
Kianinezhad: Yes, it definitely will change. Look, when we study the foundations of the Ahl al-Bayt (a), we realize that the method of problem-solving in the presence of Imam Hadi (a) and his manner of answering issues differs greatly from the manner of Imam Sadiq (a) or other Infallibles (a). One study required in this field is investigating the mode of expression of the Ahl al-Bayt (a). Narrations must undergo audience-analysis (mukhatab-shenasi), discerning which aspect of an issue each Imam (a) addressed in answering it. In response to a query, an Imam (a) might have addressed its various psychological, sociological, philosophical, and medical aspects. If we look at narrations in this way, very impressive growth will occur in the science of jurisprudence. Even the rulings issued through this method of study will become different.
Contemporary Jurisprudence: Will jurists’ answers to issues in the jurisprudence of international relations change over the next hundred years? In what direction do you think these changes will be?
Kianinezhad: One point is that if we build norms, norm-building over time will trap the very hegemon that creates norms within the “norm trap”; because currently the international system has moved toward establishing various international regimes and organizations. These frameworks have been established, and one can no longer easily disrupt everything. We cannot return to previous systems. This system is advancing and moving forward.
When the norms of the school of the Ahl al-Bayt (a) are articulated in a modern and international manner, it will cause new international regimes and structures to emerge, and gradually others will also be compelled to conduct their interactions under these very structures.
Currently, we possess values in religions such as Christianity and Judaism. Even in modern systems like democracy, we have values, some of which are rooted in shared divine values. Now, if our jurists enter scholarly work in the jurisprudence of international relations, considering the values of the school of the Ahl al-Bayt (a), they can propose new solutions for human interactions.
As an operational proposal, the family system worldwide is currently in severe crisis. When these discussions are raised in international organizations, certain countries defend traditional family while others oppose these discussions and have turned toward other types of relationships, such as male-with-male, female-with-female, or even human-with-animal relationships, regarding them even as family formation. The school capable of supporting the subject of family from philosophical, epistemological, psychological, sociological, and other dimensions, producing teachings and standing against opposing norms, is the school of the Ahl al-Bayt (a). In this area, our hands are full, and we can make many of these understood and serve as a great help to others.
Facing these problems, the hands of diplomats and those working in international organizations who are acquainted with these concepts and norm-violations are empty. The reason for this is that they are not in communication with jurists. However, if jurists step into the field, become acquainted with the problems and topics raised in the international arena, and can provide timely and efficient answers to diplomats, then diplomats’ hands will be full, enabling them to raise these matters in international forums and transform them into norms. Ultimately, these norms will dismantle international regimes and their hegemon and dominance, compelling them to bow before this reality.
A very prosperous future lies ahead. However, the condition is that jurists enter this domain. We must encourage jurists to enter this domain. Of course, some jurists have entered this field, but their numbers are small, and a larger group must enter. In certain topics such as feminism and the environment, jurists have entered; however, it is necessary to explain the identity of international relations to them in a coherent manner, then present international relations theories, and establish a specific study course for entering this field.