​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS), the Conflict Management and Humanitarian Action Program (CMHA) at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies​, the Network on Humanitarian Action (NOHA), the University of Johannesburg​, and the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution – George Mason University​ invite submissions for the 2026 Conflict and Humanitarian Studies Conference on "Conflict, Humanitarianism and Geopolitical Transformations after Gaza: Critical Perspectives on War, Aid, and Global Order".​

1.      Rationale

The events of 7 October 2023 and their aftermath have profoundly reconfigured the geopolitical landscape of the Arab region, with far-reaching consequences for global humanitarian efforts and conflict resolution strategies. These seismic changes yielded conventional analytical frameworks ineffective, challenging researchers to interrogate the epistemological foundations that have hitherto informed scholarly discourse. As we approach the two-year mark of this watershed moment, there is an urgent need for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to critically investigate its transformative impact on international relations, humanitarian aid, and conflict dynamics.

This conference aims to provide a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and analysis, exploring the complex interplay between regional power shifts, evolving conflict dynamics and humanitarian responses, and post-conflict recovery in the post-October 7 era. By bringing together diverse perspectives, we seek to map out new paradigms for addressing protracted conflicts, enhancing the effectiveness of aid delivery, and fostering resilience in affected communities, whilst also scrutinising the broader implications for international law and global governance structures.

2.      Conference Themes

The conference welcomes original research papers that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

A.   The Changing Geopolitical Landscape of Conflict

The global geopolitical landscape has undergone significant shifts, marked by an escalation in military conflicts, evolving multipolar dynamics, and the emergence of new strategic alliances. Under this theme, we welcome papers that address a range of topics including, but not limited to:

  • The implications of a multipolar world order for global conflict and peacemaking

  • Transactionalism as a new paradigm for foreign policy

  • The political economy of conflict, resource wars, and critical minerals

  • Great power competition and increasing militarisation

  • New technologies and conflict: weaponised artificial intelligence and drone warfare

  • The rise of middle powers and 'proxy wars' in Arab states

  • The evolving role of U.S. power and hegemony in the Middle East

  • ​The impact of the genocide in Gaza on local, regional, and global conflict dynamics

B.    Humanitarianism in Crisis

The inadequacies of the international humanitarian system have been exposed by the failure to effectively respond to the war on the Gaza Strip. Under this theme, we invite papers that explore the complexities and dilemmas faced by humanitarian efforts in responding to contemporary crises and the potential alternatives that are emerging to address these issues:

  • The international humanitarian system after the genocide in Gaza

  • Disruptions to humanitarian financing under anti-aid populism

  • Soft power and foreign aid in a post-USAID landscape

  • Potentials and limitations of the humanitarian principles

  • The future of UNRWA and its consequences on Palestinian refugees

  • Organisational resilience in the humanitarian sector in an era of polycrisis

  • Envisioning and reimagining alternatives to humanitarian action

C.   Post-War Recovery

The Arab region faces a vast task of rebuilding in the aftermath of devastating conflict. Under this theme, we invite paper that investigate the multifaceted challenges and strategies involved in post-war recovery, examining the process of rebuilding in societies emerging from conflict, with a focus on:

  • Gaza's reconstruction beyond conventional paradigms of the “Day After"

  • Reconstruction challenges in the Arab region

  • Governance and socio-economic dimensions of post-war reconstruction

  • Endogenous and bottom-up initiatives in postwar reconstruction

  • Refugee and IDP return and post-war recovery

D.   Shifting Ethical and Epistemological Frameworks in a Post-Genocide Landscape

The post-genocide landscape in the Arab states has been profoundly disrupted in terms of foundational ethical and epistemological frameworks. Under this theme, we welcome papers that explore the complex dynamics of how norms and values are redefined in the aftermath of conflict and genocide.

  • The Arab region and overlapping “-cides": Genocide, Urbicide, Ecocide, and Scholasticide

  • Indigenous and alternative/grassroots epistemologies and praxis in conflict and humanitarian studies

  • Narratives of victimhood and dehumanisation in contemporary conflict

  • Potentials and limitations of transitional justice in a post-genocide landscape

3.     Submission Guidelines

Abstracts (300–500 words) should clearly outline the research question, methodology, and key arguments.
Submissions should be in English or Arabic.
Please include a short bio (150 words) with your institutional affiliation(s).

4.     Key Dates

Abstract Submission Deadline: 30 September 2025

Conference Dates: 4–6 April 2026

5.     Travel, Accommodation, and Registration

Location: Doha, Qatar

Please note that travel and accommodation expenses will not be covered by the organisers. Participants whose papers are accepted will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements.

6.     Submission & Contact

Click here​, to submit your application

For inquiries, please contact chs.conference@chs-doha.org​

We look forward to your contribution at the conference!​​​