The Evolution of Islamic Fundamentalism: Core Principles and Contemporary Contours
( Pp. 78-85)
More about authors
Albakov Ali Sh.
postgraduate student, Department of Political Science
Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin
Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation Kerimov Alexander A. Dr. Sci. (Polit.), Associate Professor; Head, Department of Political Sciences; Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin; Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation
Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin
Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation Kerimov Alexander A. Dr. Sci. (Polit.), Associate Professor; Head, Department of Political Sciences; Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin; Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation
Abstract:
This article provides analysis of the phenomenon of Islamic fundamentalism – a dynamic religious-political movement that emerged in response to the challenges of modernization and globalization. The origins of this movement date back to the colonial era, when the forced transformation of traditional societies created an ideological void, filled by calls to return to the “pure” foundations of Islam. The article examines the key principles of fundamentalist ideology, including Salafism, the concept of “din wa dawla” (the unity of religion and state), and the supremacy of Sharia law, as well as its anti-modernist and anti-Western stance. Particular attention is paid to the internal diversity of the movement, distinguishing two main strands: religious conservatism (focused on faith and morality) and political Islamism (aiming for power and the creation of an Islamic state). The article elaborates on the theoretical foundations of the concept of the Islamic state and divine sovereignty, outlining key stages in the evolution of fundamentalism from its formation in the colonial and post-colonial periods, through its radicalization and internationalization under the influence of the Iranian Revolution and the Afghan jihad, to its current stage of globalization and fragmentation since the 1990s. It is argued that the failure of moderate Islamist projects under authoritarian regimes, direct foreign intervention, and the rise of digitalization have contributed to the emergence of extreme and transnational forms of radicalism, which have taken on the characteristics of terrorist networks and quasi-state entities. The conclusion is drawn that, despite its internal contradictions, Islamic fundamentalism remains a significant factor shaping the socio-political landscape in modern societies with substantial Muslim populations.
How to Cite:
Albakov, A.Sh., Kerimov, A.A. (2026). The evolution of Islamic fundamentalism: Core principles and contemporary contours. Sociopolitical Sciences, 16(2), 78–85. DOI: 10.33693/2223-0092-2026-16-2-78-85. EDN: PTKSKN
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Devji F. Landscapes of the jihad: Militancy, morality, modernity. London: C. Hurst & Co., 2005. 192 p. DOI: 10.4000/assr.3913.
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Kepel G. Jihad: The trail of political Islam. A.F. Roberts (transl.). Cambridge, Mass: Harvard University Press, 2003. 454 p.
Keywords:
Islam, Islamic fundamentalism, Salafism, Sharia, political Islam, anti-modernism.
