First International Conference on “Middle East Studies: Embracing Multidisciplinary Perspectives”

First International Conference on

“Middle East Studies: Embracing Multidisciplinary Perspectives”

In-Person Event

In-person at Ng Teng Fong · Sino Group Belt and Road Research Institute, Hong Kong Chu Hai College, Hong Kong SAR, China.

Timeline

Abstract Submission Deadline: 24 July, 2026

Notifications of Paper Acceptance: 7 August, 2026

Conference Dates: 17 October, 2026 (Saturday)

Organized by

Ng Teng Fong · Sino Group Belt and Road Research Institute, Hong Kong Chu Hai College, Hong Kong SAR, China.

Overview

The International Conference on Middle East Studies invites scholars, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world to submit original, unpublished papers that explore the multifaceted dimensions of the Middle East in a rapidly evolving global context. The conference seeks to foster interdisciplinary dialogue, bridging traditional silos in Middle East studies with insights from international relations, economics, political science, sociology, environmental studies, technology, and beyond.

In an era marked by geopolitical realignments, economic interdependencies, technological disruptions, and sustainability imperatives, the Middle East stands at the crossroads of global transformations. This conference will interrogate how regional dynamics intersect with broader international forces, examining opportunities for collaboration, resilience, and innovation. We encourage submissions that challenge conventional narratives, incorporate diverse methodological approaches (e.g., quantitative modeling, qualitative case studies, comparative analyses), and amplify underrepresented voices from the Global South.

This first International Conference is free of charge for all accepted presenters and attendees, underscoring our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. However, as an in-person event, participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and related expenses.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions must include the following components:

Abstract (500–1,000 words): Provide a detailed summary outlining the research question, methodology, key findings, and relevance to the panel theme. This should demonstrate the originality and significance of the proposed work.

Author Biography (500 words): Submit a comprehensive professional biography of the author(s), emphasizing academic credentials, research expertise, notable publications, and contributions to the relevant field.

Online Submission Portal:

https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=mestudies26

All submissions will undergo a double-blind peer review process. Authors will be notified of acceptance decisions via email.

Registration

This conference is free for all attendees.

Note for Presenters

Presenters who wish to attend the conference in person are responsible for covering their own expenses, including travel and accommodation. The conference organizers are unable to provide financial support for attendees.

Language of the Conference

The conference will be conducted entirely in English. All presentations, papers, and discussions must be prepared and delivered in English to ensure clear communication and accessibility for all participants.

Conference Panel Structure

The conference is organized around the following thematic panels to encourage focused discussions:

Panel 1: Power Structures and Security Architectures in the Middle East

Panel 2: Geoeconomics and Energy Transitions

Panel 3: Foreign Policy and Interregional Engagements

Panel 4: Technological Innovation and Digital Geopolitics

Panel 5: Sustainable Development and Environmental Imperatives

Panel 6: Social, Cultural, and Identity Dimensions

Suggested Topics

Panels may address (but are not limited to) the following topics: 

1. Contemporary Power Dynamics in the Middle East: Shifts, Alliances, and Hegemonic Contestation

2. Interregional Connectivity: East and Southeast Asian Engagements with the Middle East in the 21st Century

3. S. Foreign Policy Toward the Middle East: From Unipolar Dominance to Multilateral Retrenchment

4. Security Architectures and Economic Interdependencies in the Persian Gulf: Risks and Resilience

5. The Agency of Middle Powers in the Middle East: Balancing Autonomy and Alliances in Regional Power Structures

6. The Middle East in Global Supply Chain Disruptions: Vulnerabilities, Diversification, and Strategic Autonomy

7. China’s Belt and Road Initiative in the Middle East: Infrastructure Diplomacy and Geopolitical Implications

8. Great Power Competition in the Middle East: Proxy Conflicts, Arms Races, and Spheres of Influence

9. Technological Innovation and Disruption in the Middle East: AI, Cybersecurity, and Digital Sovereignty

10. Sustainable Development Trajectories in the Middle East: Policy Innovations Amid Resource Constraints

11. Geoeconomics and Geopolitics of Energy Transitions: From Fossil Fuels to Renewables in the Middle East

12. Sanctions Regimes and Economic Statecraft: Efficacy, Evasion, and Human Costs in the Middle East

13. Regional Economic Blocs and Pathways to Geopolitical Integration in the Middle East

14. Resource Scarcity and Geoeconomic Rivalries: Water, Food, and Energy Conflicts in the Middle East

15. Climate-Induced Geoeconomic Shifts: Adaptation Strategies and Vulnerabilities in the Middle East

16. Digital Diplomacy and Cyber Geopolitics: Middle Eastern States in the Age of Information Warfare

17. Migration, Diaspora Networks, and Soft Power Projection from the Middle East

18. Cultural Heritage as a Geopolitical Asset: Preservation, Looting, and Narratives in the Middle East

19. Gender Dynamics in Middle Eastern Geopolitics: Women’s Agency in Conflict Resolution and State-Building

20. The Role of Non-State Actors: Transnational Jihadism, Hezbollah, and ISIS in Reshaping Regional Security

21. Israel-Palestine Conflict: Pathways to De-escalation in a Fragmented International Order

22. Iran’s Foreign Policy: Past, Present, Future

23. Sectarianism and Identity Politics: Sunni-Shia Divides in Contemporary Middle Eastern Alliances

24. The Arab Spring’s Legacies: Democratic Backsliding, Authoritarian Resilience, and Youth Activism

25. Maritime Security in the Red Sea and Suez Canal: Piracy, Blockades, and Global Trade Implications

29. Indigenous Knowledge and Environmental Governance

30. Arms Trade and Military Industrialization: Self-Reliance Efforts in the Middle East

31. Media and Propaganda in Middle Eastern Conflicts

32. Economic Diversification Beyond Oil: Knowledge Economies and Innovation Hubs in the Persian Gulf

33. Human Rights and Transitional Justice: Accountability Mechanisms Post-Conflict in the Middle East

34. Space Exploration and Satellite Diplomacy: Middle Eastern Investments in Orbital Geopolitics

35. Decolonizing Middle East Studies: Epistemic Shifts and Southern Theory in Global Academia

*Submissions should align with one or more panels and may propose new topics for consideration.

Additional Notes

1. Submissions must be original work, not previously published or under consideration elsewhere.

2. Articles may be authored by multiple contributors with no restriction on the number of authors.

3. If you utilize artificial intelligence (AI) during the writing process, please clearly indicate its use in the submission cover letter and provide a detailed explanation of how it was applied (e.g., for drafting, editing, or data analysis).

Conference Websites

• Main Conference Site: https://obor.chuhai.edu.hk/mestudies26_en/

• Institute Homepage: https://obor.chuhai.edu.hk/

• Journal: https://oborjournal.org/index.php/journal

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ng-teng-fong-sino-group-belt-and-road-research-institute-73b4982b0/

• For inquiries, please email: nsbrri.conference.1@chuhai.edu.hk