The Influence of Islam over the Foreign Policies of Contemporary Islamic Countries

Abstract

Islam is regarded as one of the three major monotheistic religions of the world. It is generally accepted that the so-called “Islamic Countries” usually refer to those countries where Muslims account for a majority of the overall population and Islam exerts a historically profound influence. This article starts its analysis from three aspects: the close connection between Islam and the regimes of states, the dual influence of Pan-Islam and Islamic Fundamentalism, and the actual interventions of radical religious organizations. Then the author explores the far-reaching influence of Islam over foreign policies of contemporary Islamic countries.