States Do Not Go to Heaven: Toward a Theory of Islamic Agency in International Relations This book compares and contrasts Islamic world views and Western theoretical perspectives on international relations to suggest that a combination of the two could lead to a mutually beneficial redefinition of contemporary international relations utilizing Western theoretical tools and incorporating an Islamic perspective. Particular focus is given to the Islamic concept of istikhlaf as an ontological and normative foundation. The reasoning being that all man-made social arrangements on “earth”, as well as international society, should be considered a realm of istikhlaf. This allows for return to an eternal and critical first principle, linking all social roles to this principle, which is that man as designated by the Qur’an, is God’s khalifah or Vicegerent on earth. It’s a statement of great magnitude. Meshari Alruwaihis an International relations PhD candidate at Durham University. He holds a BA in International relations from Florida International University, and an MA in research methods (Politics and International relations) from Durham University. He is the founder of Islam and International Relations Theory. His research interests include: Islam and International Relations Theory, Contemporary International relations Theory, Philosophy of Social Science, Islamic norms and values of international relations, Islamic cooperation and regional integration.

Paperback: 978-1-56564-556-1 / Price: $16.95 eBook: 978-1-56564-883-8 / Open Access Size: 6x9 inches Pages: 98 Year of Publication: 2013