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.

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