Research output
Complete citation
Poljarević, Emin, and Anders Ackfeldt. “Towards an Understanding of the Political Theology of Malcolm X.” Svensk Teologisk Kvartalskrift 96, no. 1 (2020): 1–11.
Status
Published (2020)
Publication type
Scholarly introduction to a special issue
Overview
This introduction frames a multidisciplinary special issue on the continuing global significance of Malcolm X’s political theology. It begins from the persistence of his presence in popular culture, political mobilisation, religious narratives, and anti-racist struggles more than five decades after his assassination. The text asks why Malcolm X’s life and ideas continue to resonate far beyond the United States and presents political theology as a productive framework for analysing this reach. It highlights his confrontation with white supremacy, his evolving articulation of enemies and solidarity, and the international circulation of his ethical and political symbolism. The introduction then situates the issue’s contributions across theology, history, sociology, religious studies, and artistic expression. Its contribution is to organise Malcolm X’s legacy around questions of moral authority, counter-hegemonic struggle, global reception, and the theological language of liberation.
Research question or central concern
How can the continuing relevance and global circulation of Malcolm X’s lifework be explained through the framework of political theology?
Main argument, approach, and contribution
The introduction interprets Malcolm X as a global moral and political symbol whose critique of white supremacy joins theological language, anti-racist struggle, and practices of empowerment. It uses a multidisciplinary approach and presents the special issue’s cases as evidence of how his legacy is translated across political, religious, and cultural contexts.
Keywords
Malcolm X; political theology; anti-racism; white supremacy; liberation; global reception; moral authority
Emin Poljarević 