INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MIDDLE EAST STUDIES
Scope & Guideline
Fostering Insightful Research in Middle East History and Politics
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Interdisciplinary Research:
The journal promotes interdisciplinary research that integrates history, sociology, anthropology, political science, and cultural studies, providing a holistic understanding of Middle Eastern societies. - Focus on Contemporary Issues:
A significant emphasis is placed on contemporary socio-political issues, including governance, human rights, and identity politics, highlighting ongoing challenges and transformations in the region. - Historical Contextualization:
The journal values historical perspectives, utilizing them to inform current events and cultural phenomena, thus bridging past and present discourses. - Cultural Production and Representation:
There is a keen interest in the analysis of cultural production—literature, art, and music—within the Middle Eastern context, exploring how these forms reflect and shape identities and political realities. - Decolonial Perspectives:
The journal encourages decolonial approaches to Middle East studies, challenging dominant narratives and exploring the impacts of colonialism and imperialism on regional identities and histories. - Ethnographic and Field Research:
Qualitative methodologies, including ethnographic studies, are emphasized to capture the lived experiences of individuals in diverse Middle Eastern contexts. - Transnational and Diaspora Studies:
Research that examines transnational connections and the experiences of diasporic communities is highlighted, enhancing the understanding of global interconnectedness.
Trending and Emerging
- Activism and Social Movements:
There is a growing focus on grassroots activism and social movements, particularly in relation to the Arab Spring and ongoing protests, highlighting the role of civil society in shaping political landscapes. - Gender and Sexuality Studies:
Research exploring gender dynamics and LGBTQ+ issues in the Middle East is on the rise, reflecting a broader interest in how these factors intersect with culture, politics, and identity. - Environmental Studies and Climate Change:
Emerging scholarship on environmental issues, including climate change and resource management, is increasingly featured, addressing the unique ecological challenges faced by Middle Eastern countries. - Digital Humanities and Technology:
The application of digital tools and methodologies in Middle East studies is gaining traction, enabling innovative approaches to research and the dissemination of knowledge. - Postcolonial and Decolonial Theory:
There is a noticeable trend towards the application of postcolonial and decolonial frameworks, encouraging critical examinations of power dynamics and historical narratives in the region. - Transnationalism and Globalization:
Studies that investigate transnational connections and the impact of globalization on Middle Eastern societies are becoming more prominent, reflecting the interconnectedness of contemporary issues.
Declining or Waning
- Traditional Historical Narratives:
Focus on traditional, linear historical narratives appears to be waning, as scholars increasingly favor dynamic and multifaceted approaches that consider multiple perspectives and interpretations. - Essentialist Identity Politics:
Research centered on rigid identity categories, such as ethnicity or sectarianism, is declining in favor of more fluid and intersectional analyses that account for the complexities of identity in the Middle East. - Orientalist Frameworks:
The use of orientalist frameworks in analyzing Middle Eastern societies is diminishing, with scholars seeking to move beyond Western-centric perspectives that often misrepresent the region. - Static Cultural Representations:
There is a noticeable decline in studies that present static or monolithic views of Middle Eastern cultures, as the field shifts towards recognizing diversity and change within cultural practices. - Reductionist Economic Analyses:
Simplistic economic analyses that fail to consider the socio-cultural factors influencing economic conditions are less frequently published, as a more integrated approach becomes the norm.
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