Epistemological contestations in global governance: The OIC and the conceptualization of minorities

Abstract

This study examines the Organization of Islamic Cooperation's (OIC) role in framing Muslim minorities as a distinct sociopolitical and discursive category and its subsequent global advocacy efforts. With over one-third of the global Muslim population residing outside OIC member states, these communities face systemic challenges, including structural discrimination, cultural erasure, and political marginalization. Rooted in the concept of the ummah, the OIC’s engagement emphasizes transnational Islamic solidarity while contending with the structural constraints of a state-centric international order. Through an analysis of official OIC documents, declarations, and public communications, this paper uncovers the epistemological and ideological underpinnings of the organization’s advocacy narratives. It contrasts the OIC’s communitarian approach to minority rights with the universalist framework of the United Nations, highlighting philosophical and normative divergences. While the OIC exhibits significant potential as a mediator and advocate, its reliance on state actors and alignment with international norms reveal inherent tensions between its transnational vision and the geopolitical realities of global governance. This research contributes to the broader understanding of how religious frameworks intersect with modern political structures, positioning the OIC as both an influential and constrained actor in advancing justice, epistemic sovereignty, and equity for marginalized Muslim communities.