Announcements of InterestHave an announcement? Email your opportunity to Emily Lucas at [email protected]. MECARC’s 2nd International Conference 2026Contested Societies in The Middle East: War, Politics and ReligionMay 26 - 27, 2026, Ariel University and at Daniel Hotel, HerzliyaThe events following the outbreak of the conflict on October 7, 2023, have significantly reshaped the Middle East. Iran’s proxy network has deteriorated; the Assad regime has collapsed under pressure from radical Sunni factions, with Turkey assuming a protective role over the remnants of that regime; and leadership structures within Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Hamas have weakened. At the same time, many Middle Eastern societies remain deeply contested, marked by fragmentation, weakened institutions, and eroding public trust. Heightened polarization, identity struggles, and limited religious and ethnic tolerance intensify internal threats. These upheavals also reshape external engagement, as the United States adjusts its posture, Europe confronts spillover effects, and Russia’s position weakens. The Middle East and Central Asia Research Center (MECARC) invites scholars from Israel and abroad – specializing in Middle East Studies, Political Science, Israel Studies, International Relations, Sociology, Law, and related disciplines – to submit papers for presentation at our expanding scholarly forum. Submissions for organized panels are warmly welcome. Learn More |