Theocratic State Theory: The Exceptional Resilience of Theocratic Entities

Eric Ashton-Becker

Master's thesis

Theocratic State Theory

Abstract:

This paper applies Westphalian concepts of statehood to five theocratic entities including: the crusader states of the Knights Hospitaller and the Teutonic Knights; and, the Islamist terrorist states of the Taliban and Daesh. Although certain political entities such as the Knights Hospitaller, Teutonic Knights, or Daesh remain outside the parameters of conventional state definitions, the principle concepts of the Westphalian system may still be applied to better understand their unique historical or contemporary position within the international system. This paper seeks to analyse these theocratic entities and explain their common evolution from non-state actor to state actor and, if relevant: non-state actor again. Through analysis of state formation and collapse processes, this paper seeks to explain the unique qualities of theocratic entities within the modern international system and develop the concept of Theocratic State Theory.

Abstract:

This paper applies Westphalian concepts of statehood to five theocratic entities including: the crusader states of the Knights Hospitaller and the Teutonic Knights; and, the Islamist terrorist states of the Taliban and Daesh. Although certain political entities such as the Knights Hospitaller, Teutonic Knights, or Daesh remain outside the parameters of conventional state definitions, the principle concepts of the Westphalian system may still be applied to better understand their unique historical or contemporary position within the international system. This paper seeks to analyse these theocratic entities and explain their common evolution from non-state actor to state actor and, if relevant: non-state actor again. Through analysis of state formation and collapse processes, this paper seeks to explain the unique qualities of theocratic entities within the modern international system and develop the concept of Theocratic State Theory.

Keywords

theocracy, actor, religion, security, state

Keywords

religion, state, actor, security, theocracy

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 15. 6. 2017

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 8. 6. 2018
• Supervisor: Markéta Novotná
• Reader: Jan Martin Rolenc

Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze

Master programme / field:
Mezinárodní ekonomické vztahy / International and Diplomatic Studies