Countries With A Theocratic Government Today

A theocracy is a form of government where political authority is derived from the gods. In contrast, a democracy bases its political authority on the people—the governed. In a theocracy, rulers act as representatives of the gods on Earth. Any human laws that may exist are subordinate to the will of the gods and do not stem from the will of the people. The Vatican and Iran are contemporary examples of theocratic governments.

It is important to note that simply having religious leaders does not make a government a theocracy. Additionally, if political leaders make decisions based on their religious or moral beliefs, it does not automatically qualify as a theocracy. A true theocratic government is one in which a political leader claims to rule by divine authority.

Afghanistan

Under the leadership of the Taliban, Afghanistan operates as a theocracy and an emirate, with political power concentrated in the hands of a supreme leader and his clerical advisors, collectively known as the Leadership. Afghanistan is one of the most notable examples of a theocracy in the world. Islam is the official religion of the country, and the major foundations of its political institutions are based on Islamic Sharia Law. The ultimate aim of the country’s fundamentalist regime is to unify the Afghan people under a common religious law. Consequently, political power lies almost exclusively in the hands of the regime's religious leaders.

Iran

The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, adopted in December 1979, declares Shia Islam to be the state religion, with approximately 90–95% of Iranians identifying with this branch of Islam. The constitution establishes a government that combines elements of theocracy—specifically, the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist—with a presidential system.

As a theocratic government, the Islamic Republic of Iran designates its leader as the most qualified individual to interpret Islam and ensure adherence to its principles among the populace. Before the establishment of the Islamic Republic, Iran was ruled by the Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was known for his secular outlook. In 1979, following a revolution, the Shah was overthrown by Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who then became the leader of Iran’s new Islamic state. He implemented a political system rooted in traditional Islamic beliefs. Currently, this leadership role is held by Ali Khamenei and Mojtaba Khamenei is considered his most likely successor.

Mauritania

Mauritania is an Islamic republic with a constitution that recognizes Islam as the state religion and Sharia law as the legal foundation, which classifies it as a theocracy. Located in the Maghreb region of western North Africa, Mauritania has a theocratic government, where the legal system is largely based on Sharia law. Many national symbols, including the flag, incorporate Islamic elements.

In the early years after gaining independence, Mauritania had a Western-style governmental structure and a relatively liberal approach. However, the political landscape shifted in the 1980s when Colonel Mohammed Khouna Ould Heydallah, along with the military leadership, steered the country toward a stricter interpretation of Sharia law, implementing stringent Islamic jurisprudence.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is an Islamic theocracy where the government is based on Sharia law, with the Quran and Sunnah serving as the country's constitution. The public practice of religions other than Islam is prohibited. As an Islamic theocratic monarchy, Saudi Arabia has one of the most tightly controlled governments in the world. The country is also home to two of Islam's most holy sites: the cities of Mecca and Medina. Since its establishment in 1932, it has been ruled exclusively by the House of Saud.

While the law does not explicitly forbid the practice of other religions, the spreading and public practice of other religions is prohibited. Those caught attempting to insult Islam or promote any other faith may face severe punishment, which can include the death penalty in extreme cases.

Vatican

The politics of Vatican City operate within a unique framework: a theocratic absolute elective monarchy. In this system, the Pope, who is the leader of the Catholic Church and the Bishop of Rome, holds supreme legislative, executive, and judicial power over Vatican, governed by the Holy See. Notably, Vatican monarchy is non-hereditary, making it a distinctive case among world governments.

While the other countries discussed may be ruled by various forms of theocratic Islamic governments, Vatican stands out as the only nation in the world with an absolute theocratic elective monarchy based on Christian principles. 

Yemen

In the 7th century, Islamic caliphs began to exert control over the region. After the caliphate disintegrated, northern Yemen came under the influence of various dynasties' Imams, primarily from the Zaidi sect. They established a theocratic political structure that persisted into modern times.

Recently, Yemen has experienced intense political turmoil, with conflicts among various political groups leading to a civil war. 

Nine years into the civil war, the country stands at a crossroads between two potential futures: a theocracy dominated by the Houthis or the transition to a modern state for all Yemenis. Unfortunately, the current balance appears to favor the former outcome. years into the civil war, the country stands at a crossroads between two potential futures: a theocracy dominated by the Houthis or the transition to a modern state for all Yemenis. Unfortunately, the current balance appears to favor the former outcome.

Future of Theocracy

Theocracy, once considered distant and irrelevant, has gained significant strength as a political ideology. The rise of Christian theocratic movements in Western countries can be traced to a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and political factors. For example, the United States was founded on the principles of religious freedom and the separation of church and state, however, the narrative of America as a "Christian nation" has persisted since its inception. This narrative was further strengthened in the 1950s when Congress adopted "In God We Trust" as the national motto. The future of liberal democracy depends on our collective ability to maintain a balance between respecting religious freedom and preventing the encroachment of theocratic ideologies into secular governance.