The Middle East Economic and Political Institute (MEPEI) welcomes contributions from interested researchers. Papers should be original and represent analyses of current policy topics that focus on the Middle East, namely (but not limited to):

• Foreign policy;
• Security architecture – MENA;
• Energy security;
• Fighting terrorism and extremism;
• The Israeli-Palestinian peace process;
• The Iranian nuclear deal;
• Banking, finance, and economics in the Middle East;
• The Yemeni crisis;
• The Syrian crisis;
• Libyan conflict;
• Turkish affairs;
• GCC and the Arabian Peninsula;
• Levantine affairs;
• Kurdish issue;
• Security in Afghanistan-Pakistan;
• Interfaith dialogue;
• Reform and current affairs in North Africa.

Our goal is to promote multidisciplinary conversation and networking across the social and political spectrum.

Papers should be written and submitted according to the following criteria:

• Papers must deal with a specific
• Papers should present a clear and explicit outline, with supporting arguments.
• Papers should be written in plain, concise, and coherent language.
• Papers should use footnotes for references.
• Papers should be written solely in
• Papers should be submitted in word format.
• Papers go through reviewing and an editing process according to MEPEI’s internal rules.

Please note the following:

• We accept only original papers, which are not previously published elsewhere.
• Contributors receive an honorarium after the publication of their paper.

We welcome six types of publications:

1. Opinion Papers

Opinion papers are short analytical documents, which provide an analysis of a specific topic. Their aim is to attempt to convince the audience and stakeholders to adopt the suggested course of action, which is thoroughly supported by arguments.

Policy analysis briefs should be written and submitted according to the following criteria:

• They should be short analytical documents around 2000 words.
• They consider matters that are relevant to the Middle East.
• They should highlight the different perspectives on the discussed problem.
• They must be written in plain language and avoid specialized jargon.
• They must document the different sources used in the form of footnotes.

2. Reports

Reports present the description, monitoring, and tracking of events on a given phenomenon over a specified period of time and must meet the following requirements:

• They should not exceed 8000 words. In exceptional cases, MEPEI accepts longer reports.
• The phenomenon that is subject of discussion in the report should be specific in time and place.
• The facts need to be presented chronologically.
• The report should have an analytical dimension, not just a review of events.
• The used sources and references must be documented in the form of footnotes.

3. Research papers

They represent a relatively long and documented type of paper aiming at dwelling into an issue that is relevant to the Middle East context (state, society, economics, policies, etc.). Research papers must meet the following criteria:

• They should be around 4000-5000 words.
• They should be divided into chapters and subchapters or sections and subsections.
• They should include an executive summary and keywords.
• They should be rich in sources and references that must be documented in the form of footnotes.

4. Policy Papers

These are relatively longer papers whose aim is the study of a political issue that falls within the research interests of the Institute. Policy papers must be written according to the following conditions:

• They should fall between 2000-4000 words.
• They should address a policy issue or have a policy impact.
• They should be focused on the Middle East and characterized by novelty and quality.
• They should be divided clearly into sections and subsections.
• They should include an executive summary and keywords.
• They should be rich in sources and references that must be documented in the form of footnotes.

5. Occasional Papers

Essays or reports that contribute to the debate on specific issues relevant to the Middle East. They blend inter-disciplinary policy, practice, and research about a timely problem. Occasional Papers are addressed to a wide audience, including other policy-makers, financial analysts, academics, the media, and the interested general public. Understanding the papers will normally require some prior knowledge of the topic. The general requirements for submission are listed below:

• They should fall between 2000-4000 words.
• They should fall into the diverse range of interests related to Middle East studies, yet bringing novelty and timely assessments.
• They should include an executive summary and keywords.
• They should be rich in sources and references that must be documented in the form of footnotes.

6. Discussion papers

Discussion papers differ are more broadly accessible, conferring a balanced perspective on a specific topic. While they are based on original research, they place the respective analysis in the wider context of the literature on the topic and also explicitly consider the policy perspective. They should meet the following criteria:

• They should account for up to 4000 words.
• They explicitly offer a viewpoint on policies adopted in the Middle East.
• They should include an executive summary and keywords.
• They should be rich in sources and references that must be documented in the form of footnotes.

Procedural rules

The Middle East Political and Economic Institute adopts an internal methodology for the publication of papers. All submitted papers are subject to internal reviews and are sent to the researcher for making the proposed modifications. Once the paper is accepted, it will be published on the Institute’s website (www.mepei.com) in English.

Those interested to publish with the Middle East Political and Economic Institute should send a 1-2 page outline (and keywords, where necessary) of their proposed paper, as well as their curriculum vitae to the Institute’s email: office@mepei.com.

Once the paper is approved, authors will be asked to submit the full paper in addition to the following:

• A short bio notes of the researcher, highlighting their education and/or professional background, together with a list of relevant publications;
• A recent photo of the researcher to be published along with the paper.

For any other inquiries concerning the publication procedure, please do not hesitate to get in touch at office@mepei.com.