Theocratic State Theory

This paper applies Westphalian concepts of statehood to five theocratic entities including: the crusader states of the Knights Hospitaller and the Teutonic Knights; and, the Islamist terrorist states of the Taliban and Daesh. Although certain political entities such as the Knights Hospitaller, Teutonic Knights, or Daesh remain outside the parameters of conventional state definitions, the principle concepts of the Westphalian system may still be applied to better understand their unique historical or contemporary position within the international system. This paper seeks to analyse these theocratic entities and explain their common evolution from non-state actor to state actor and, if relevant: non-state actor again. Through analysis of state formation and collapse processes, this paper seeks to explain the unique qualities of theocratic entities within the modern international system and develop the concept of Theocratic State Theory.