International relations jurisprudence

This paper is a study of international relations according to Shiite jurisprudence. Jurisprudents pointed out that the time of occultation (of Imam Mahdi) is a time of ceasefire and suspension of hostilities because the Primary Jihad is necessary given that the Imam is present. Thus, at the present time when there is no primary jihad, Islamic countries follow their Islamic goals through establishing peaceful relationships and mutual respects. Due to the diversity of thoughts, the relationships among countries may vary. Relationship with Islamic countries is based on the implementation of justice, brotherhood, and self-sacrifice, and those with non-Islamic countries is on mutual respect and peace because Islam favors peace. According to Islam, primary jihad is restricted to specific conditions and if they are not met, war with the infidels cannot be started. But, if Islamic verdicts, and or the rights of Muslim citizens and Islamic lands are violated, all the members of the society should rise against it. This type of jihad is called defensive jihad which has no conditions except the ability to fight and resist against the enemy.