middle eastern studies journal

Middle Eastern Studies is a specialised, peer-reviewed journal issued by the Middle East Studies Center. It offers trusted perspectives on the region and its issues through research that meets recognised scholarly standards.

About MESJ

01Peer reviewedPublished research follows internationally recognised peer-review standards.

02Quarterly publicationFour issues annually

03 Indexing and Archiving Present in scholarly indexing and impact-factor systems.

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1Jul2026

Recently Published – Issue 116 of the Middle East Studies Journal

As part of the publications of the Middle Eastern Studies Center/Jordan, and in cooperation with the Jordan Foundation for Research and Information, Issue 116 of the Middle Eastern Studies Journal, Summer 2026, was published. It addresses various current topics and issues in the Arab world and the Middle East. The editorial article discusses "The Role of Arab Collective Awareness and Perception of Threats in Reshaping Policies," its importance in understanding threats and challenges, and its role in formulating more effective policies to protect Arab interests, with a focus on the dynamics of regional and international risks and transformations. The issue includes a collection of peer-reviewed research papers and studies. The first study, titled "The DRRI Model and the Transformations of Contemporary Warfare," by Dr. Mohamed Abu Bakr Mahmoud (Researcher at the Experts Center for Development Studies and Crisis Analysis – Sudan), examines the transformation of modern warfare from traditional military conflicts to tools for reshaping the state within the international system. It presents an analytical model based on three dimensions: destruction, reshaping, and re-employment, aiming to explain recurring patterns in contemporary warfare, particularly in the Middle East. It also seeks to understand the relationship between conflict and the restructuring of states' political and geopolitical frameworks. The study, "The Moroccan Party Experience: The Political System and Party Effectiveness," by Mr. Jamal al-Dansiwi (a researcher in political and party affairs in Morocco), discusses the nature of the party system in Morocco since independence, its ability to influence political decision-making, and examines the organizational structures of parties and their relationship with the state, in addition to their level of political effectiveness. It also highlights the challenges facing party activity in the Moroccan context. The study "The Crisis of Separatist Movements in the Arab World and Ways Out" by Dr. Nizam Barakat (Professor of Political Science and member of the Arab Crisis Team - ACT - Jordan) examines the roots of separatist movements and the reasons for their escalation in some Arab countries. It addresses their repercussions on national unity and political and security stability. The study also presents strategic approaches to addressing these crises and mitigating their consequences. In the Analytical Papers section, this issue includes: • " The War on Iran: The Memorandum of Understanding and Gulf Security" by retired Major General Mohammed Farghal (Strategic Researcher and former Head of the Center for Strategic Studies at the National Defense College - Jordan). This paper analyzes the repercussions of any potential confrontation with Iran on the security of the Gulf region, focusing on the military and strategic dimensions. It also discusses the implications for the stability of energy markets and regional balances and presents possible scenarios for the development of the conflict. • " Improvement in Economic Development Indicators in Jordan 2024-2026" – Dr. Ibrahim Al-Batayneh (Professor of Economics, Al al-Bayt University, Jordan). This paper reviews the most prominent economic indicators in Jordan and analyzes their trends in light of internal and external challenges. It also discusses the impact of economic policies on growth and stability. • "The Legal Status of Palestinian Resistance in International Law" – Dr. Muhammad Khalil Al-Mousa (Professor of International Law, Jordan). This paper addresses the legal framework governing the right of peoples to resist occupation under international law and discusses the legitimacy of Palestinian resistance in light of international agreements. It also reviews the legal debate surrounding the characterization of acts of resistance. • " The Limits of China's Role in the Middle East in light of the War on Iran" – Mr. Ashraf Ali Al-Nasser (Researcher in Political Economy and International Relations, Jordan). This report analyzes the growing Chinese presence in the region through economic and political tools. It discusses the repercussions of this role on the international and regional balance of power and explores the prospects for Chinese expansion in the Middle East. • "A Vision and Mechanisms for Protecting Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem against Israeli grave Violations" – Dr. Bayan Al-Omari (Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Middle Eastern Studies – Jordan) reviews the papers and outcomes of a scholarly symposium held in Amman, Jordan, and summarizes the most prominent Israeli policies toward Al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as the legal and religious dimensions of these policies. The report concludes with the document prepared by a team of Arab experts entitled: "A Vision and Mechanisms for Protecting Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem and Confronting Israeli Violations." This issue also includes a review of the book "The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism" by American author Martin Wolf, presented by Dr. Ali Mahafza (Professor of History at the University of Jordan, member of the editorial board of the Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, and former President of Yarmouk University – Jordan). This issue also includes a bibliography prepared by Mr. Issam Ayadat (Research Assistant at the Center for Middle East Studies – Jordan). It features a special section titled "The Crisis in US-Iranian Relations (2015–2026)," which reviews key literature and studies that have addressed the trajectory of this relationship from the 2015 nuclear agreement to the escalation of tensions. The bibliography is objectively categorized, providing a scholarly resource for researchers. The Middle Eastern Studies Journal is a quarterly, peer-reviewed journal that specializes in short-term transformations that long-term studies and research cannot adequately cover. (116) issues have been published up to summer 2026, and this latest issue is (222) pages long, and its price is (3 JD) inside Jordan, and ($5) outside Jordan.

1Apr2026

Recently Published: Issue 115 of the Journal of Middle Eastern Studies

As part of the publications of the Middle Eastern Studies Center/Jordan, and in cooperation with the Jordan Foundation for Research and Information, Issue 115 of the Middle Eastern Studies Journal, Spring 2026, was published. It addresses various current topics and issues in the Arab world and the Middle East. The editorial article, entitled “The Arab Levant: A Battleground for Others,” examines the repercussions of the U.S.–Israeli war against Iran and its implications for the countries of the region. It highlights the security, political, and economic challenges facing Arab states, and underscores the transformation of the region into an open arena of conflict, as well as the need to enhance Arab coordination to confront these repercussions. The first study in this issue, titled “The Evolution of Sino-Qatari Relations: From Natural Gas to Strategic Partnership,” authored by Dr. Sameer Alshamaileh, a researcher specializing in Sino-Arab relations at Qatar University, and Dr. Mohammed Salman, Professor of International Affairs at Qatar University, analyzes the trajectory of relations between the two countries. It explains how these relations have evolved from energy-based cooperation into a multidimensional strategic partnership encompassing economy, investment, and technology, within a changing regional and international environment. The study “The Formation of the ‘Board of Peace’ and Its Implications for Peace and Security in the Middle East,” prepared by Dr. Raed Abu Badawiya, Professor of Law and International Relations at the Arab American University – Palestine, discusses the potential consequences of establishing new international frameworks for conflict management in the region and their impact on regional stability and political balances. Another study, “The Future of Palestinian Political Islam Movements in Light of Regional and International Transformations and the Arab–Israeli Conflict,” by Dr. Omar Rahhal, Director of the Human Rights and Democracy Media Center – Palestine, analyzes the transformations affecting these movements and explores their future within the Palestinian political system, as well as the possible options available to the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization in dealing with them. The final study in the “Research and Studies” section, “The Future of Current Palestinian Challenges and the Strategy for Exiting the Crisis,” by Dr. Raed Nairat, Professor of Political Science at An-Najah National University – Palestine, examines the major challenges facing the Palestinian cause and the strategic options available to address them in the coming stage. The issue also includes, within the “Analyses and Reports” section, a strategic analysis titled “Jordan’s Geopolitical Power,” prepared by Major General (Ret.) Mahmoud Ardeisat, former Director of the Strategic Studies Center at the National Defense College – Jordan. The analysis highlights the importance of transforming Jordan’s geographical challenges into opportunities at both the economic and political levels. The Middle Eastern Studies Journal is a quarterly, peer-reviewed journal that specializes in short-term transformations that long-term studies and research cannot adequately cover. (115) issues have been published up to Spring 2026, and this latest issue is (170) pages long, and its price is (3 JD) inside Jordan, and ($5) outside Jordan.

1Jan2026

Recently Published: Issue 114 of the Middle Eastern Studies Journal

As part of the publications of the Middle Eastern Studies Center/Jordan, and in cooperation with the Jordan Foundation for Research and Information, Issue 114 of the Middle Eastern Studies Journal, Winter 2026, was published. It addresses various current topics and issues in the Arab world and the Middle East. The Editorial article, "Jordan's Pivotal Role in the Middle East Between the National Vision and the Allies' Orientations," aims to reinforce the Kingdom's political and intellectual approach, as well as the approaches of its institutions and political and social forces, over the past century. This approach has fostered a progressive model for balancing external demands with domestic necessities, preserving fundamental principles and national interests, strengthening stability, and preventing any external attempts to undermine its security and sovereignty. The first study in this issue, titled "UNSC Resolution 2803 on Gaza: Dismantling the Trusteeship, Hegemony, and the Problems of Sovereignty and Occupation," was prepared by Dr. Mohammad Khalil Al-Mousa, a professor of philosophy of law from Jordan, analyzes the shifts in the role of international law and its tools in conflict management, particularly in the context of the Palestinian issue. He examines the problematic nature of the resolution, which reshapes the political and security environment in Gaza by establishing a new framework that subjects the territory to a transitional international administration under the United Nations. This framework grants the "Peace Council" broad powers to manage services and institutions, while the "Stabilization Force" is given an open mandate to use "all necessary measures." This opens the door to a military-style trusteeship model and creates a legal accountability vacuum, potentially fostering impunity. A study titled "The Repercussions of an Israeli-American War Against Iran on the Arab World," prepared by Dr. Qasid Mahmoud of Jordan, an expert in Arab strategic affairs, discussed the ability of Arab governments to contain the negative repercussions of the war, thereby reducing the threat to regional stability and Arab national security. The study employed a descriptive-analytical approach and a systems analysis methodology to analyze the war environment, the motivations of the warring parties, and trace its repercussions and potential scenarios for addressing them. The study concluded that this war, along with its repercussions, constituted a model for creating a crisis in the Arab world. Several factors contributed to escalating this threat to the region's security and stability. Among the most important of these factors were: 1) the hesitation of Arab governments to take a decisive stance; 2) the violation of the sovereignty of some Arab states or the endangerment of their citizens; 3) the divergence of official positions regarding the war's repercussions and outcomes; and 4) the growing Arab fears of one of the warring parties dominating the region and implementing its plans to redraw the map of the Middle East. Meanwhile, a study titled "The Civilizational Construction of the Arab-Islamic Nation: Foundations and Opportunities," which... Prepared by Dr. Awda Al-Jiyousi from Jordan, a researcher in sustainable development and innovation, this study aims to clarify the extent to which Arab-Islamic thought recognizes the significant opportunities to present a modern and advanced civilization that serves all of humanity. The study employs a descriptive, historical, and comparative methodology to compare the intellectual foundations of both Islamic and Western civilizations. The final study in the Research and Studies section, "Trends in American Positions Regarding the Establishment of an Independent Palestinian State," was prepared by Dr. Sawsan Ismail Al-Assaf from Iraq, Professor of Political Science at Nile European University in London, and a researcher affiliated with the Center for Middle East Studies in Jordan. It examines the motivations behind the projects proposed by successive US administrations for establishing a Palestinian state or a two-state solution, and the challenges they faced, whether at the Israeli, Palestinian-Arab, or international levels. The study clarifies how the issue of establishing an independent Palestinian state has been dealt with by Western, American, and Israeli actors until it has been emptied of its substance, and the area of Palestinian land allocated to it has shrunk since the 1947 Partition Plan (Resolution 181). The issue also includes an Analysis section. The report analyzes "Jordanian-Syrian Trade Relations: Opportunities and Challenges." It concludes with a book review of "Jordanian Political Parties: Reality and Aspirations" in the book review section. The Middle Eastern Studies Journal is a quarterly, peer-reviewed journal that specializes in short-term transformations that long-term studies and research cannot adequately cover. (114) issues have been published up to the winter 2026, and this latest issue is (200) pages long, and its price is (3 JD) inside Jordan, and ($5) outside Jordan.

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