Caliph Al-Mansur and Hulagu Khan and analysis of their political strategies in the light of Machiavellianism /
This research discusses life and careers of the Mongol Khan Hulagu and the Abbasid Caliph Mansur in the light of the Machiavellian leadership theory. It aims to explore whether Machiavellianism is a necessary attribute in ensuring an undisputed rule or dominion. Although Machiavelli's advocacy...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
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Gombak, Selangor :
Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia,
2016
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://studentrepo.iium.edu.my/handle/123456789/6300 |
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| Summary: | This research discusses life and careers of the Mongol Khan Hulagu and the Abbasid Caliph Mansur in the light of the Machiavellian leadership theory. It aims to explore whether Machiavellianism is a necessary attribute in ensuring an undisputed rule or dominion. Although Machiavelli's advocacy of ruthlessness and deception promises a successful, unchallenged reign, it largely ignores the psychological aspect as well as the repercussions of suppressing the spiritual self. With reference to al-Mansur, who epitomized the Machiavellian prince, it can be deduced that this eventually leads to psychological trauma, as a result of guilt and fear of retribution, casting a shadow on one's political success. Thus, this questions the adequacy of The Prince as a practical philosophy, and shifts attention to the all-encompassing nature of Islam which secures political stability and success, without having to sacrifice moral consciousness. Hulagu, whose mission was to restore peace and justice (along with securing Mongol dominion) in the troubled lands of Persia and Iraq, leaned more towards Islamic principles than Machiavellianism in conducting his conquests. Though Hulagu's career eventually faltered as a result of military defeats, the foundations laid by him contributed to the prosperity of the Ilkhanid Dynasty, which only came to an end due to biological (not political) causes as the last Ilkhan died childless. Mansur's failure to leave a lasting impression on Abbasid governance and the very nature of its disintegration and humiliating defeat question his success as a consolidator of the Abbasid Empire. It also poses a question as to whether a successful reign is determined by economic or cultural attainment. This is discussed with reference to the Khulafa Rashidun to highlight that material prosperity, though necessary, is only temporal, and a ruler's ultimate triumph lies in contributing to the later generations by inculcating a sound ideology and establishing a strong moral foundation. |
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| Physical Description: | x, 102 leaves : ill. ; 30cm. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 98-102). |