Date of Award
6-2012
Document Type
Open Access
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Political Science
First Advisor
Michelle Angrist
Language
English
Keywords
Islam, Muslim, Sunni, Shia, theology, values
Abstract
This thesis initially examines the historical roots of the Sunni and Shia split and discusses how the different theological and governmental values that emerged out of the divide have the potential to change how each sect approaches ruling, hierarchy, and government. It then traces the development of these theological differences into their solidification in modern‐day usage by the two branches, and provides real world examples of how the history of the Sunni/Shia split both has and has not become realized in today’s world. Finally, this thesis discusses the democratic proclivity of each specific relevant theological difference.
Recommended Citation
Porter, Alexander, "Different Branches of the Same Tree: A comparative analysis of Sunni and Shia theological disparities and their implications for democracy and democratization" (2012). Honors Theses. 883.
https://digitalworks.union.edu/theses/883