# Publications ![Isfahan Blue Mosaic on Mosque](/sites/g/files/omnuum3186/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2024-12/Isfahan%20Mosque%20Mosaic.jpeg?itok=eioapNlB) ## Featured Publications [### The Hidden Imam and the End of Time ](/resource/hidden-imam-and-end-time-primer-mahdi-islamic-theology-and-global-politics-1)A Primer on the Mahdi, Islamic Theology, and Global Politics **Payam Mohseni and Mohammad Sagha** For hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world, including in the West, the Hidden Imam is at the heart of Islam. While those with some background in the study of the faith may have heard of this belief, its core centrality in the Islamic tradition is generally not recognized or properly understood. To address the gap in knowledge on this issue, the Project on Shi’ism and Global Affairs at Harvard University’s Weatherhead Center has produced the present report, entitled [*The Hidden Imam and the End of Time: A Primer on the Mahdi, Islamic Theology, and Global Politics*](/sites/g/files/omnuum3186/files/shiism-global-affairs/files/the_hidden_imam_and_the_end_of_time_-_a_primer_on_the_mahdi_islamic_theology_and_global_politics_04.pdf "The Hidden Imam and the End of Time: A Primer on the Mahdi, Islamic Theology, and Global Politics")[,](https://prod-shiismglobalaffairs.drupalsites.harvard.edu/publications/sites/g/files/omnuum3186/files/shiism-global-affairs/files/the_hidden_imam_and_the_end_of_time_-_a_primer_on_the_mahdi_islamic_theology_and_global_politics_04.pdf) to raise awareness on the concept, meaning, and significance of the Hidden Imam for scholars, policymakers, and broader public audiences alike. ![Sun Emerging from behind the Earth out of occultation](/sites/g/files/omnuum3186/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2024-12/earth-1756274%20%281%29_0.jpg?itok=nuW5ZWAq) [### Taqrib, Shi'a-Sunni Relations, and Globalized Politics in the Middle East ](/publications/legacies-islamic-ecumenicismtaqrib-shia-sunni-relations-and)Legacies of Islamic Ecumenicism **Mohammad Sagha (Editor)** Shi'a-Sunni relations are among some of the most important dynamics in the Islamic world. The *taqrib* movement was the twentieth century's most significant iteration of Shi’a-Sunni ecumenical relations and peacebuilding in the Middle East, resulting in a sustained scholarly dialogue, joint publications, and flourishing engagement with contemporary and classical Islamic sources. This report -- "[**Legacies of Islamic Ecumenicism: Taqrib, Shi'a-Sunni Relations, and Globalized Politics in the Middle East**](/publications/legacies-islamic-ecumenicismtaqrib-shia-sunni-relations-and)" -- focuses on the *taqrib* movement by featuring several articles by leading scholars in academia as well as by Sunni and Shi’a clergymen whose careers intimately involve them in Shi’a-Sunni dialogue. ![Ayatollah Boroujerdi (Twelver Grand Ayatollah, Iran)](/sites/g/files/omnuum3186/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-12/Ayatollah%20Boroujerdi.jpg?itok=kksQGd8x) [### Iran's Syria Strategy ](/publications/irans-syria-strategy-evolution-deterrence)The Evolution of Deterrence **Payam Mohseni and Hassan Ahmadian** Iran has been a critical player in the Syrian war since 2011, crafting a complex foreign policy and military strategy to preserve its Syrian ally. What have been the drivers of Iranian decision-making in this conflict? And how has Iranian strategy evolved over the course of the war? This article argues that the logic of deterrence has been fundamental not just for shaping the contours of Iran–Syria relations since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, but also for determining the overall trajectory of Iranian strategy in the Syrian war. [Read the full article here](/publications/irans-syria-strategy-evolution-deterrence). ![Syria flag](/sites/g/files/omnuum3186/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-12/syria%20flag.jpg?itok=EkbgNZRL) [### The Emergence of Iran's New Saudi Strategy ](/resource/detente-containment-emergence-irans-new-saudi-strategy)From Détente to Containment **Hassan Ahmadian and Payam Mohseni** Iran's strategy with respect to Saudi Arabia is a key factor in the complex balance of power of the Middle East as the Iranian–Saudi rivalry impacts the dynamics of peace and conflict across the region from Yemen to Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Bahrain. What is Iranian strategic thinking on Saudi Arabia? And what have been the key factors driving the evolution of Iranian strategy towards the Kingdom? In what marks a substantive shift from its previous détente policy, we argue that Tehran has developed a new containment strategy in response to the perceived threat posed by an increasingly pro-active Saudi Arabia in the post-Arab Spring period. [Read the full article here.](/sites/g/files/omnuum3186/files/shiism-global-affairs/files/ahmadian_and_mohseni_from_detente_to_containment_-_the_emergence_of_irans_new_saudi_strategy.pdf "From Detente to Containment: the Emergence of Iran's New Saudi Strategy") ![Abdollahian (Iranian Foreign Minister) - Ibn Farhan (Saudi Foreign Minister)](/sites/g/files/omnuum3186/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-12/Abdollahian%20-%20Ibn%20Farhan.jpg?itok=7R54Brbw) arrow\_back arrow\_forward ## Full List Download 80 citations download- [BibTeX](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=12&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchdomains%5D&&&format=bibtex) - [EndNote X3 XML](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=12&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchdomains%5D&&&format=endnote8) - [EndNote 7 XML](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=12&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchdomains%5D&&&format=endnote7) - [Endnote tagged](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=12&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchdomains%5D&&&format=tagged) - [Marc](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=12&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchdomains%5D&&&format=marc) - [PubMedId](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=12&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchdomains%5D&&&format=pubmed_id) - [RIS](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=12&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchdomains%5D&&&format=ris) ### 2024 2024. “[K-12 Outreach](/publication/k-12-outreach)” 2024. “[K-12 Outreach](/publication/k-12-outreach)” ### 2022 Payam Mohseni and Mohammad Sagha. 2022. [The Hidden Imam and the End of Time: A Primer on the Mahdi, Islamic Theology, and Global Politics](/publications/hidden-imam-and-end-time-primer-mahdi-islamic-theology-and-global) Payam Mohseni and Mohammad Sagha. 2022. [The Hidden Imam and the End of Time: A Primer on the Mahdi, Islamic Theology, and Global Politics](/publications/hidden-imam-and-end-time-primer-mahdi-islamic-theology-and-global) - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [ picture\_as\_pdfThe Hidden Imam and the E...](/sites/g/files/omnuum3186/files/shiism-global-affairs/files/the_hidden_imam_and_the_end_of_time_-_a_primer_on_the_mahdi_islamic_theology_and_global_politics_04.pdf) For hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world, including in the West, the Hidden Imam is at the heart of Islam. While those with some background in the study of the faith may have heard of this belief, its core centrality in the Islamic tradition... - [ picture\_as\_pdfThe Hidden Imam and the E...](/sites/g/files/omnuum3186/files/shiism-global-affairs/files/the_hidden_imam_and_the_end_of_time_-_a_primer_on_the_mahdi_islamic_theology_and_global_politics_04.pdf) ### 2021 Marieke Brandt. 2021. “[A Genealogy of Conflict: An Interior View of the War in Yemen](/publications/genealogy-conflict-interior-view-war-yemen)” Marieke Brandt. 2021. “[A Genealogy of Conflict: An Interior View of the War in Yemen](/publications/genealogy-conflict-interior-view-war-yemen)” - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [ picture\_as\_pdfYemen - A Genealogy of Co...](/sites/g/files/omnuum3186/files/shiism-global-affairs/files/yemen_-_a_genealogy_of_conflict_transcript.pdf) Over the past years, the war in Yemen developed many internal and external dynamics. The focus of international observers and the media is often more on its regional political contexts, thereby largely disregarding the local dynamics of this conflict... - [ picture\_as\_pdfYemen - A Genealogy of Co...](/sites/g/files/omnuum3186/files/shiism-global-affairs/files/yemen_-_a_genealogy_of_conflict_transcript.pdf) Mohammad Sagha (editor). 2021. [Legacies of Islamic Ecumenicism: Taqrib, Shi’a-Sunni Relations, and Globalized Politics in the Middle East](/publications/legacies-islamic-ecumenicismtaqrib-shia-sunni-relations-and). Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Weatherhead Center for International Affairs Mohammad Sagha (editor). 2021. [Legacies of Islamic Ecumenicism: Taqrib, Shi’a-Sunni Relations, and Globalized Politics in the Middle East](/publications/legacies-islamic-ecumenicismtaqrib-shia-sunni-relations-and). Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Weatherhead Center for International Affairs - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [ descriptionHarvard WCFIA Legacies of Islamic Ecumenicism](/resource/harvard-wcfia-legacies-islamic-ecumenicism) We are excited to release our newly published report, "[**Legacies of Islamic Ecumenicism: Taqrib, Shi'a-Sunni Relations, and Globalized Politics in the Middle East**](/sites/g/files/omnuum3186/files/shiism-global-affairs/files/symposium_-_diversity_and_unity_in_transnational_shiism_harvard_university_2021.pdf "Symposium on Diversity and Unity in Transnational Shi’ism - Harvard University 2021.pdf")**.**" The *taqrib* movement was the most recent large-scale iteration of Shi’a-Sunni ecumenical... - [ descriptionHarvard WCFIA Legacies of Islamic Ecumenicism](/resource/harvard-wcfia-legacies-islamic-ecumenicism) Ali Asani, Payam Mohseni, and Mohammad Sagha. 2021. [Diversity and Unity in Transnational Shi’ism: Proceedings of the International Symposium at Harvard University (April 5-8, 2021)](/publications/diversity-and-unity-transnational-shiism-0). Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Weatherhead Center for International Affairs Ali Asani, Payam Mohseni, and Mohammad Sagha. 2021. [Diversity and Unity in Transnational Shi’ism: Proceedings of the International Symposium at Harvard University (April 5-8, 2021)](/publications/diversity-and-unity-transnational-shiism-0). Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Weatherhead Center for International Affairs - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [ picture\_as\_pdfSymposium on Diversity an...](/sites/g/files/omnuum3186/files/shiism-global-affairs/files/symposium_-_diversity_and_unity_in_transnational_shiism_harvard_university_2021.pdf) The Project on Shi’ism and Global Affairs is proud to publish a report, “[Diversity and Unity in Transnational Shi’ism (PDF)](/file_url/339),” based on the proceedings of an [international symposium](https://transnationalshiism.hsites.harvard.edu/) hosted at Harvard University in April, 2021. The symposium brought... - [ picture\_as\_pdfSymposium on Diversity an...](/sites/g/files/omnuum3186/files/shiism-global-affairs/files/symposium_-_diversity_and_unity_in_transnational_shiism_harvard_university_2021.pdf) Hassan Ahmadian and Payam Mohseni. 2021. “[From Detente to Containment: The Emergence of Iran’s New Saudi Strategy](/publications/detente-containment-emergence-irans-new-saudi-strategy)”. International Affairs, 97, 3 Hassan Ahmadian and Payam Mohseni. 2021. “[From Detente to Containment: The Emergence of Iran’s New Saudi Strategy](/publications/detente-containment-emergence-irans-new-saudi-strategy)”. International Affairs, 97, 3 - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [Publisher's Version](https://academic.oup.com/ia/article-abstract/97/3/779/6222283?redirectedFrom=fulltext) Iran's strategy with respect to Saudi Arabia is a key factor in the complex balance of power of the Middle East as the Iranian–Saudi rivalry impacts the dynamics of peace and conflict across the region from Yemen to Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Bahrain. What... - [Publisher's Version](https://academic.oup.com/ia/article-abstract/97/3/779/6222283?redirectedFrom=fulltext) Hassan Abbas. 2021. [The Prophet’s Heir: The Life of Ali Ibn Abi Talib](/publications/prophets-heir-life-ali-ibn-abi-talib). New Haven: Yale University Press Hassan Abbas. 2021. [The Prophet’s Heir: The Life of Ali Ibn Abi Talib](/publications/prophets-heir-life-ali-ibn-abi-talib). New Haven: Yale University Press - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [Publisher's Version](https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300229455/prophets-heir) Ali ibn Abi Talib is arguably the single most important spiritual and intellectual authority in Islam after prophet Mohammad. Through his teachings and leadership as fourth caliph, Ali nourished Islam. But Muslims are divided on whether he was supposed to... - [Publisher's Version](https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300229455/prophets-heir) ### 2020 Mohd Faizal Musa. 2020. “[Sunni-Shia Reconciliation in Malaysia](/publications/sunni-shia-reconciliation-malaysia)”. In Alternative Voices in Muslim Southeast Asia: Discourses and Struggles. Singapore: ISEAS Mohd Faizal Musa. 2020. “[Sunni-Shia Reconciliation in Malaysia](/publications/sunni-shia-reconciliation-malaysia)”. In Alternative Voices in Muslim Southeast Asia: Discourses and Struggles. Singapore: ISEAS - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [ picture\_as\_pdfSunni-Shia Reconciliation...](/sites/g/files/omnuum3186/files/shiism-global-affairs/files/alternative.pdf) ![Book cover](/sites/g/files/omnuum3186/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/shiism-global-affairs/files/pic276.jpg?itok=d2Cq58Ho) The 1996 fatwa \[recognizing "Sunni Islam" as the official religion of Malaysia\] was a pivotal turning point that paved the way for subsequent efforts at "othering" the Shia minority, and through this to discredit and deny them their human rights. That... - [ picture\_as\_pdfSunni-Shia Reconciliation...](/sites/g/files/omnuum3186/files/shiism-global-affairs/files/alternative.pdf) Mohd Faizal Musa. 2020. “[Shia Influence in the Axiology of Malay Culture](/publications/shia-influence-axiology-malay-culture)”. International Journal of Philosophy of Culture and Axiology, 17, 1, Pp. 99-119 Mohd Faizal Musa. 2020. “[Shia Influence in the Axiology of Malay Culture](/publications/shia-influence-axiology-malay-culture)”. International Journal of Philosophy of Culture and Axiology, 17, 1, Pp. 99-119 - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [Publisher's Version](https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/public/users/Integrators/BeeProAgency/437351_417261/07_Musa.pdf) Over the years, there are various research on cultural development seen from socio-historical perspective. The uniqueness of Islam in Malay region as it is diverse and open to outside influences is important to be look at; as it differs greatly from “the... - [Publisher's Version](https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/public/users/Integrators/BeeProAgency/437351_417261/07_Musa.pdf) 2020. “[Marifa 2020: Self-Discovery and Imagination (Summary Report)](/publications/marifa-2020-self-discovery-and-imagination-summary-report)” 2020. “[Marifa 2020: Self-Discovery and Imagination (Summary Report)](/publications/marifa-2020-self-discovery-and-imagination-summary-report)” - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [ picture\_as\_pdfmarifa\_2020\_summary\_repor...](/sites/g/files/omnuum3186/files/shiism-global-affairs/files/marifa_2020_summary_report.pdf) Shi'i students today find themselves dealing with a myriad of challenges. Between the struggles of navigating faith in America, balancing several identities, and being a minority within the Muslim community, Shi'i students need a meaningful forum to... - [ picture\_as\_pdfmarifa\_2020\_summary\_repor...](/sites/g/files/omnuum3186/files/shiism-global-affairs/files/marifa_2020_summary_report.pdf) Reid Pauly and Daniel Khalessi. 2020. “[Why Invading Iran Would Be a Military Disaster (Worse Than Vietnam)](/publications/why-invading-iran-would-be-military-disaster-worse-vietnam)” Reid Pauly and Daniel Khalessi. 2020. “[Why Invading Iran Would Be a Military Disaster (Worse Than Vietnam)](/publications/why-invading-iran-would-be-military-disaster-worse-vietnam)” - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract What would a war with Iran look like? In sum, it would be the gravest mistake in U.S. foreign policy since the Vietnam War. Yes, even worse than the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Hassan Ahmadian. 2020. “[Iran’s Retaliation Is Not over ](/publications/irans-retaliation-not-over-missile-attacks-us-positions-iraq-are)” Hassan Ahmadian. 2020. “[Iran’s Retaliation Is Not over ](/publications/irans-retaliation-not-over-missile-attacks-us-positions-iraq-are)” - Previous page chevron\_left - [1](?page=0 "Current page") - [2](?page=1 "Go to page 2") - [3](?page=2 "Go to page 3") - [4](?page=3 "Go to page 4") - [5](?page=4 "Go to page 5") - [6](?page=5 "Go to page 6") - [7](?page=6 "Go to page 7") - [ Next page chevron\_right ](?page=1 "Go to next page") ![Blue intricates tiles in Iranian Islamic architecture in Isfahan, Iran](/sites/g/files/omnuum3186/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2024-12/Isfahan%20Mosque%20Mosaic%203.jpeg?itok=KinuPRTB)