The Hikama Journal of Public Administration and Public Policy, published by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies and the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, in collaboration with the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS), invites researchers, experts, and specialists interested in public administration and public policy to submit proposals for policy papers to be featured in a special issue on the topic: “Post-War Reconstruction Policies in the Arab World”. The editor of this special issue is Ghassan Elkahlout, Director of CHS and Professor in the Conflict Management and Humanitarian Action Program at the Doha Institute.
This issue aims to explore the complex transformations shaping Arab societies in the aftermath of war by examining the political, economic, and social challenges of reconstruction. It aims to promote innovative approaches that integrate urban planning, public policy, and institutional rebuilding, advancing beyond the technical aspects of reconstruction toward a holistic vision of justice, stability, sustainable recovery, and inclusive development. It seeks to explore a range of critical questions from a public policy perspective, including, but not limited to:
What is the nature of reconstruction policies in Arab countries that have undergone, or are currently undergoing, conflict and armed warfare?
What are the principal factors influencing the formulation of these policies and determining their priorities?
How are these policies implemented by governments, and how is the implementation process monitored and evaluated?
What challenges do Arab governments encounter in executing reconstruction policies, particularly with regard to financing, governance, and the involvement of local and international stakeholders?
How do governments effectively manage reconstruction efforts while conflicts persist in certain regions?
What recommendations can be proposed to enhance the governance of reconstruction policies in the Arab world?
Hikama and CHS welcome policy-oriented and practically grounded papers that provide critical analysis and actionable recommendations rooted in contextual knowledge. Submissions focusing on the experiences of Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, and Syria are particularly encouraged, as these cases reflect the diversity and complexity of post-war recovery in the Arab region. However, this does not exclude case studies from other Arab countries experiencing conflicts and armed wars, nor comparisons with cases from outside the Arab world.
Participation Guidelines and Deadlines:
Hikama accepts research proposals of approximately 250 words from interested participants. The submission deadline is 15 November 2025.
Authors whose policy paper proposals have been accepted will be invited to submit a full policy paper of between 3,500 and 5,000 words, including footnotes and references, by 28 February 2026. Submissions are required to adhere to the Submission Guidelines established by the Arab Center, available at: https://hikama.dohainstitute.org/ar/pages/publicationStandards.aspx
Submitted policy papers must provide a comprehensive analysis of a specific issue or problem pertinent to the theme of the special issue. The paper should delineate the various dimensions of the issue, propose a clear and viable alternative solution, and critically assess other existing alternatives or solutions, where applicable. The proposed solution must be actionable for policymakers, with its feasibility and practicality clearly articulated within the broader context of the relevant sector or field, alongside the expected outcomes.
A workshop will be held to present papers that meet the peer review criteria, focusing on discussing their key findings.
All policy papers will be subject to peer review. Approval of a proposal does not guarantee the final paper’s acceptance for publication.
Papers accepted through peer review will be published in a special issue of Hikama, in accordance with its editorial policy.
Proposals and policy papers must be submitted through the Researchers Application, available on the Arab Center’s website: https://researchers.dohainstitute.org
For inquiries, please contact Hikama journal via email: hikama@dohainstitute.edu.qa