Introduction: sectarianisation in Southeast Asia and beyond

ABSTRACT

This collection expands the sectarianisation thesis introduced by Hashemi and Postel to analyse cases of sectarianism outside of the Middle East. It shows how divisions and rivalries can occur between Muslim groups that are theologically and religiously similar, rather than being intrinsically distinct from each other like Sunni and Shia sects. The collection features case studies from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Turkey and shows how sectarianism among Sunni Muslim groups is largely driven by political considerations: to promote regime survival (in both authoritarian and democratic contexts) and patronage; to protect established national narratives on Muslim identity; and to gain civic affirmation to increase the influence and membership of a group. Collectively, the contributions provide theoretical and empirical insights into the process of sectarianisation that may lead to better understanding of the multi-dimensionality of sectarian identity across Muslim-majority societies.

KEYWORDS:

• Sectarianisation
• sectarianism
• Islam
• intra-Muslim rivalries
• Muslim identities

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. The co-editors of this collection contributed equally to the work.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alexander R. Arifianto

Alexander R. Arifianto is a research fellow with the Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

Saleena Saleem

Saleena Saleem is a doctoral candidate with the Department of Sociology, Social Policy, and Criminology, University of Liverpool, UK.