Shia Marjai'a as an international actor; a study of models of action of social institute of Marjai'a during history

Marja’iat is considered the main social institution which manages the religion in the society and leads the Shia in different political and social subjects. This institution actions based on thought of the representation of Imam and usage of rationality and specific power resources at various terrestrial levels and beyond that. This article tries to identify patterns and indicators of social behavior of this institution and to compare objective evidence of its actions with characteristics of international actors as mentioned in theories of International Relations. To do so, qualitative historical research methods were used and periods of Marja’iat and its classification – according to indicators of international relations science including power shift and status of actors – were studied and lastly historical turning points recognized and pattern of role-making explained. Finally, objective evidences of function of this institution in the transnational area, compared with characteristics of international actors. The author's initial hypothesis is adaptation of historical examples with characteristics of actors in international relations which will be tested during this study. The author also believes that time and spatial conditions and the extent to which benefits and goals are reached, considered the underlying elements of influence which form the behavior pattern of this social institution.