A Comparative Study of Great Power Conflicts and Islamic Principles of Jihad and Diplomacy

Abstract

This study is a comparative analysis of the great power struggles and the Islamic values of jihad and diplomacy in the modern international system. It also looks critically at the way hegemonic states engage in power politics due to political interests, economic assets and ideological confrontations to often result in long term instability, civilian casualties and degradation of international norms. The research specifically concentrates on the crisis in 2026 in Iran, caused by the US-Israel collaborative military operation Operation Epic Fury that took place on February 28, 2026, and led to the destruction of Iranian military, nuclear, and leadership facilities, which caused regional spurring, Strait of Hormuz disruption, and a tenuous ceasefire at the beginning of April 202 The paper uses the Quranic teachings and Prophetic traditions as the basis of understanding the Islamic ideas of jihad as being mainly defensive, justice-seeking, and adhering to stringent ethical guidelines of engagement that emphasize the safety of non-combatants, proportionality, and war as a final option. It compares this to the current realpolitik whose aggression and collateral damage is often normalized. The study also examines Islamic diplomacy in the light of the strategies of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) such as the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, which is evidence of strategic forbearance, adherence to pacts and avoidance of confrontation in favor of compromise. An explicit case study of the Iran-US conflicts proves that though power-based strategies only worsen the situation, Islamic concepts are a more morally appropriate and practically realistic model that focuses on mediation, toleration, and peacebuilding. The possibility of the Ummah in the form of institutions such as the OIC is brought out as a channel of ethically resolving conflict. The paper concludes that Islamic ideas of jihad and diplomacy offer a strong moral alternative to the current approaches of great power that encourage long-term peace based on justice, and not dominance. It provides policy suggestions to statesmen and indicates the future research path on the implementation of these rules in hybrid warfare and multilateral venues.

Keywords: Great power conflicts, Islamic jihad, Islamic diplomacy, power politics, Operation Epic Fury, Iran-US tensions 2026, just war theory, conflict resolution, mediation, global peacebuilding