About this book:

*Fault Lines of Faith* argues that sectarian conflict between Sunnis and Shias is not an inevitable consequence of ancient theological disputes, but rather a modern political process driven by the interplay of state fragility, elite manipulation, and grassroots insecurity. The book posits that religious identity becomes weaponized when governing institutions are exclusionary or weak, creating "security dilemmas" that force communities to seek protection through sectarian militias and patronage networks rather than the state. By analyzing the transition from pluralistic empires to rigid nation-states, the text demonstrates how modern borders and administrative structures have historically sorted and hardened communal identities.

The book details the mechanisms of mobilization used by "identity entrepreneurs" to escalate tensions, including the use of satellite television, social media, and inflammatory sermons to manufacture narratives of victimhood. It examines how regional rivalries—most notably between Saudi Arabia and Iran—transform local grievances into transnational proxy wars, further destabilizing fragile states. The narrative also focuses on the "micro-politics" of conflict, showing how everyday spaces like neighborhoods, markets, and schools become frontlines where rumors and specific "spark" events can tip mixed communities into open violence and forced displacement.

To address these divisions, the text explores various pathways toward de-escalation and peacebuilding. It critiques the limitations of formal power-sharing and sectarian quotas, which can inadvertently ossify the very divisions they seek to manage. Instead, it advocates for "reimagining citizenship" through constitutional reforms that prioritize universal rights, impartial policing, and the equitable distribution of state services. The book emphasizes that repairing the social contract requires building state legitimacy through transparency and merit-based governance, thereby reducing the material incentives for sectarian loyalty.

Ultimately, the book resists fatalism by identifying sources of resilience and restraint within these societies. It highlights the potential for religious peacemaking, interfaith dialogue, and the moral authority of independent clerics to counter extremist ideologies. By implementing early warning systems, inclusive education, and restorative justice, the authors argue that the "fault lines" of faith can be managed. The conclusion suggests that while sectarianism is a potent political tool, thoughtful governance and cross-cutting social ties can transform these fracture zones into seams of peaceful coexistence.