걸프지역 COVID-19 사례로 본 수니 무슬림의 반시아 종파주의 담론 분석

Analysis of Sunni Muslims’ Anti-Shia Sectarian Discourse with a Case of COVID-19 in the Gulf Region

This study analyzes Sunni Muslims’ anti-Shia hatred sentiment under COVID-19 conditions. COVID-19 has emerged as a new fomenting element of sectarian conflict between Sunni and Shia in the Middle East. Since the WHO declared COVID-19 as a pandemic in March 2020, the virus has spread indiscriminately worldwide regardless of class, gender, age, and religion. Exploiting the ‘infodemic’ phenomenon, COVID-19 surpasses unfound fears toward other groups and amplifies hatred toward otherness. In the Middle Eastern region, the COVID-19 pandemic has restructured Sunni Muslim’s anti-Shia prejudice and hatred to a new level. Sectarianism, before COVID-19 was shaped by actual conflicts and violence that occurred on the front lines between Saudi supported Sunni groups and Iran supported Shia groups. The current sectarianism occurs in the online space, reinforcing ‘civilization and science’ vs. ‘barbarism and superstition’ discourse and ‘Islamic’ and ‘non-Islamic’ theological dimensions, regarding COVID-19 as God’s punishment. In addition, COVID-19 further deepened sectarianism at the grassroots level. This study is distinguished from previous studies as it highlights sectarianism in the Middle East from the perspective of the pandemic that threatens the security and stability of the region.