We inform you that the deadline for submitting proposals has been extended to 23 January 2026. The Congress will be held in Warsaw on 5–6 March 2026 at the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies of the University of Warsaw. The event is organised in cooperation with the Institute of Political Science of the University of Gdańsk (host of the first edition), the Faculty of International and Political Studies of the Jagiellonian University (organiser of the second edition), and the Faculty of Political Science and Journalism of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań.
The Congress constitutes a unique nationwide platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience on contemporary political, social, and cultural processes in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It is an excellent opportunity to broaden research perspectives, present one’s own analyses, and establish cooperation among scholars, experts, and practitioners from various backgrounds. This year’s edition is held under the theme: “Beyond the Liberal Order: The Middle East in the Face of New Configurations of Global Power”
Contemporary debate on the Middle East region increasingly questions the universality of the liberal Western project. The organisers propose viewing this area not only through the prism of crisis, but as a laboratory of alternative political and social configurations. Events in the Gaza Strip, Syria, Yemen, or the redefinition of the position of regional powers (Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia) demonstrate that the future of the region eludes classical approaches of realism and liberalism.
The aim of the Congress is to reflect on the region as a laboratory of alternative political and social models, emerging in the relationship between local actors and external powers and international organisations. Discussions will include, among others:
- the role of non-state actors in shaping new power configurations,
- the significance of religion and spirituality in the era of political crises,
- climate and environmental challenges in the context of environmental justice,
- as well as other key aspects of transformations in the MENA region.
Important Information and Dates
- Congress date: 5–6 March 2026
- Deadline for submitting proposals: 23 January 2026
- Languages of the proceedings: Polish and English.
How to Submit a Proposal?
We invite you to submit abstracts of individual presentations and proposals for thematic panels via the registration form (link below).
Requirements: An abstract of up to 250 words, containing the research objective, methodological assumptions, and main research questions.
Detailed information regarding the Congress can be found in the attachment and on the website:
www.kongresbliskiegowschodu.com
We encourage you to like and follow our Facebook profile, where we regularly publish updates, panel announcements, and reports from preparations:
facebook.com/KongresBliskiegoWschodu
We would also be grateful for disseminating information about the Congress among individuals who might be interested in participating in the event.