This interdisciplinary conference is part of the University of Tartu Asia Centre’s annual ASIA UPDATE series dedicated to exploring different regions of Asia. Each year the conference focuses on a specific region, and in 2026 the spotlight turns to the Middle East (West Asia) as a region undergoing profound transformation.
The Middle East stands at a pivotal moment of transformation that not only shapes local realities but also redefines how the world, and Europe in particular, perceives and engages with the region. Grasping the nature and direction of these transformations is essential for understanding the region’s search for stability and its role in a changing world. The conference will take place in Tartu on 23–24 April 2026.
The conference “Transformations and Futures of the Middle East” aims to explore the region’s multiple dimensions of change. Through five thematic panels, participants will examine political transitions and governance models; the evolving role of religion and civil society; the intersection of economy, environment, and sustainability; the rise of small Gulf states as strategic players; and Europe’s shifting perceptions and relations with the Middle East.
At the heart of these discussions lies the recognition that religion, cultural and national diversity, and politics remain deeply interconnected, and that soft power and propaganda continue to shape political narratives, public understandings, and regional influence. Beyond analysing ongoing transformations, the conference seeks to open a forward-looking dialogue on possible future scenarios and pathways for the region. It brings together scholars and policy experts to foster interdisciplinary exchange and generate policy-relevant insights into how Middle Eastern societies are negotiating change and envisioning their futures. In addition, a dedicated PhD students’ panel provides emerging researchers with a platform to present their work, share perspectives, and engage in dialogue with established scholars and practitioners.
More information: aasiakeskus.ut.ee