Journal of Strategic and Military Studies
The Journal of Strategic and Military Studies is an international, peer-reviewed, trilingual journal (Arabic, English, German, French, Spanish ) published by the Arab Democratic Center for Strategic, Political, and Economic Studies in Berlin, Germany. It is a member of the International Association of Peer-Reviewed Journals, and a member of the Crossref global database The journal focuses on research related to strategic and military studies, security, geopolitics, international relations, strategic planning for development, territorial governance, and the formulation and evaluation of policies and programs, whether in the economic, financial, or social spheres. These issues may have national, regional, or international dimensions. Additionally, the journal publishes research in the humanities and social sciences The journal is published periodically (quarterly: at the end of March, June, September, and December) and is overseen by an active international scientific board comprising a large group of leading academics from various countries. This board supervises the peer-review process of the research submitted to the journal The journal adheres to an ethical charter governing its publication standards and an internal regulation that organizes the peer-review process. The Journal of Strategic and Military Studies also follows the formal and substantive criteria of international peer-reviewed journals in selecting the content for its issues Nationales ISSN-Zentrum für Deutschland ISSN 2626-093X Journal of Strategic and Military Studies Important Note: The Journal of Strategic and Military Studies is a paid journal, and the estimated publication cost is equivalent to 100 EUR (the official currency of the European Union) This fee is payable by the researcher upon acceptance of their article for publication by the journal's scientific committee. The editorial team will provide the researcher with the suitable payment procedure.
المركز الديمقراطي العربي ألمانيا - برلين
How did the events of October 7th change the concept of intelligence and security in the Arab world?
The events of October 7, 2023 constituted an unprecedented strategic turning point in the history of the Middle East, as they revealed a profound weakness and gabs within the Israeli intelligence institution and system, which had long been presented as model to be emulated. At the same time, they raised structural questions regarding the extent to which the intelligence and security systems in Arab states, in general, are capable of confronting new forms of threats. This study seeks to clarify the manner in which these events contributed to reshaping the concept of security and intelligence in the Arab world through three integrated and important points analyzing the dimensions of Israeli intelligence failure and its structural factors extrapolating the direct repercussions on the Arab security system reassessing the regional threat environment and anticipating the features of the coming phase within the context of the transformations generated by these events. The research adopts a descriptive – analytical approach based on diverse sources, including strategic reports, peer-reviewed and reliable academic studies, and official investigations in Arabic, English, and Hebrew. This research concluded that the Israel intelligence failure was not merely a strategic deception. The study goes beyond the Israel case to raise existential challenges facing the Arab intelligence system amid the escalation of hybrid threats and risks and the declining effectiveness of prevailing security doctrines. In part the research present a system of recommendations divided into four stages: security doctrine institutional building, technical capabilities and regional cooperation. The most important of these is that reliance on technical tools represent a gap that technological development at the present time cannot fill, and that the human element cannot be wholly replaced by the technical and technological element
October 7, Arab intelligence and national security, intelligence failure, strategic deception, hybrid threats, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Strategic and Military Studies
The Regional Approach to the Geography Curriculum in Morocco: Integrating the Spatial Dimension into Learning Processes and Fostering Territorial Citizenship
This study addresses the issue of the regional approach to the Geography curriculum within the context of the transformations experienced by Morocco following the adoption of the Advanced Regionalization project as a strategic choice for reorganizing territories and strengthening territorial governance. The study starts from the premise that regionalization is not limited to the redistribution of administrative powers between the central authority and regions, but also extends to the educational field through the integration of territorial, cultural, and economic specificities within the education system. The study aims to analyze the possibilities of integrating the regional dimension into the Geography curriculum and to highlight its role in making learning more connected to learners’ realities and their surrounding environment. It also emphasizes the importance of shifting from an approach based on abstract knowledge towards an approach that links learning with investigation, field research, and the use of territory as a space for knowledge construction. Furthermore, the study examines the challenges related to achieving a balance between incorporating regional specificities and preserving the unity of the national curriculum and shared identity. The research problem focuses on the extent to which the regional approach can contribute to the development of Geography teaching and transform it into a tool for understanding territorial issues and contributing to territorial development. The article concludes that the success of this approach depends on strengthening regional educational governance, improving teacher training, and developing didactic resources that make use of local and regional environments, thus enabling the school to become a space for educating learners who are aware of their surroundings and actively engaged in the issues of their society
Advanced Regionalization; Geography Curriculum; Regional Approach; Educational Governance; Territory; Didactics; Territorial Development.
The Study of Religions in Military Institutions in the Arab-Islamic World: From Foundational Contributions to Contemporary Applications
This study seeks to demonstrate that the military’s adoption of the study of religions in the contemporary Arab world is an inevitable strategic and practical choice necessary for it to move beyond a traditional mindset to a practical one. Harnessing this discipline opens the door for military personnel to examine the phenomenon free from political and religious considerations and to better manage religious affairs in areas of operation. Therefore, the military establishment must not limit itself to its historical contributions to laying the groundwork for the study of religions through military expeditions that provided opportunities to interact with those of different faiths and to understand their intellectual and doctrinal systems—such as the contributions of Usama ibn al-Munkidh and Abu al-Rayhan al-Biruni. To ensure the research meets its objectives, we adopted a methodological approach combining two fundamental phases: the descriptive phase, in which we examined the intertwined relationship between the military institution and the study of religions, and the critical analysis phase, in which we deconstructed this relationship and explored its backgrounds and characteristics. This methodological approach enabled us to identify numerous contextual particularities required by the application of the science of religions within the military institution, in terms of its various manifestations and challenges.
علم الأديان ـ المؤسّسة العسكريّة ـ التكوين العسكريّ ـ التنوّع الدينيّ ـ الاستراتيجيّة الأمنيّة
Sacred Bonds and Strategic Influence: The Spiritual Foundations of Moroccan-African Diplomacy
This article examines the spiritual dimension as a constitutive variable in Moroccan-African foreign policy, tracing its evolution from a diffuse historical and emotional heritage into a structured institutional framework of soft power. Drawing on constructivist international relations theory and Joseph Nye's concept of soft power, the study argues that Morocco has systematically transformed its centuries-old religious and Sufi legacy in sub-Saharan Africa into a deliberately engineered form of spiritual diplomacy. The analysis proceeds across two principal axes: first, the historical and doctrinal foundations of the Moroccan-African spiritual commons, encompassing the Almoravid expansion, the Maliki-Ash'ari doctrinal tradition, and the transnational influence of Sufi brotherhoods—most notably the Tijaniyya; and second, the institutional architecture through which this heritage has been operationalized, including the Mohammed VI Foundation for African Scholars and the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams. The article further interrogates the functional deployment of spiritual diplomacy in the domains of security—specifically counter-extremism in the Sahel—and geopolitics, particularly in Morocco's reintegration into the African Union and the management of the Western Sahara issue. Finally, it maps the competitive landscape in which Morocco's spiritual strategy operates, confronting rival religious diplomacies emanating from Algeria, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. The study concludes that Morocco's spiritual soft power constitutes a structurally significant instrument of national interest projection, yet one whose efficacy remains contingent upon sustained institutional investment, regional adaptability, and the management of geopolitical friction.
spiritual diplomacy; soft power; Morocco-Africa relations; Tijaniyya; Sufi brotherhoods; counter-extremism; Islamic moderation; Mohammed VI Foundation; African Union; religious institutionalization
Determinants of youth predisposition to military engagement
In a global context, contemporary social, economic, and technological changes give particular importance to the issue of youth engagement in the military institution. The main objective of this research is to examine young people’s perceptions of the military institution and their willingness to pursue a military career. To this end, we carried out a quantitative study based on a survey research method. The findings first reveal a relative willingness among young people to consider possible military engagement: six out of ten young people report that they could envisage pursuing a career in the armed forces one day. Second, the typological analysis identified three distinct profiles of young people regarding their disposition toward military engagement; “the reluctant group”, “the potential group” and, finally, “the tent group available for being hired”. Military leaders could rely on this typology to target the potential group which represents approximately 41% of the survey respondents. With suitable encouragement and better access to information, these individuals may be more inclined to pursue a military career.
Military engagement, Young people, Typology.
The Test of Nuclear Deterrence " A Case Study of the Ukrainian Crisis"
This study examines the effectiveness of nuclear deterrence in contemporary international politics by analyzing the Ukrainian crisis as a case study. It begins with the premise that nuclear deterrence remains a cornerstone of global security strategies and plays a crucial role in preventing direct military confrontation between major nuclear powers. However, its effectiveness is not absolute or unconditional; rather, it is influenced by a range of political, strategic, and technological factors. The study's findings indicate that nuclear deterrence has contributed to preventing a direct conflict between Russia and NATO, but it has not prevented the continuation of conventional warfare or the provision of widespread external support to Ukraine. Furthermore, the study reveals that nuclear threats are increasingly serving as tools for strategic signaling and political influence, rather than actual indicators of imminent nuclear use. The study also demonstrates that recent technological advancements, including precision weapons, drones, and cyber capabilities, have posed new challenges to traditional deterrence theories, enabling weaker actors to impose significant costs on stronger powers without crossing the nuclear threshold. The study concludes that nuclear deterrence will remain a central element of the international security system for the foreseeable future, but its continued effectiveness depends on its ability to adapt to geopolitical shifts, technological advancements, and evolving patterns of strategic competition. Therefore, traditional deterrence theories require continuous review and development to align with the increasingly complex security environment of the 21st century
Nuclear Deterrence- Ukrainian Crisis - Nuclear Arsenal- Russian Nuclear Rhetoric- NATO- International Security- Deterrence Effectiveness- Strategic Balance
The Kenitra Industrial Zone "Atlantic Free Zone": an emerging model of geostrategic development in Africa – A case study of the automotive industry
The cities along Morocco’s Atlantic coast have become a hub for local development, notably the city of Kenitra. Strategically located in north-western Morocco, this city has played a key role in attracting foreign investment to this promising region. The city of Kenitra is emerging as a national and African automotive industrial hub thanks to the Stellantis cluster, formerly known as PSA. This cluster has established itself in the AFZ industrial zone to capitalise on the region’s advantages and potential, such as its geographical location, human and natural resources, and proximity to the infrastructure linking northern and central Morocco. The Stellantis cluster has managed to achieve prosperity in a very short period, despite the various challenges that hinder its development.
Territory; geostrategy; automotive industry; emerging; Africa
The geopolitics of maritime straits: from vulnerability to strategies for securing global trade flows
Today more than ever, in a world of geopolitical upheaval characterised by the resurgence of excessive force in international relations, maritime straits lie at the heart of global conflict dynamics. As indispensable hubs in the connectivity of the world system’s maritime trade flows, they are de facto strategic chokepoints that are the subject of rivalry and tension between major powers. Viewed from this specific angle, ensuring their security becomes a priority for the freedom of maritime navigation and the stability of the economic and energy order of the world’s economies. It is from this perspective that this article sets out to examine maritime straits as vital pivot points where rivalries for power over maritime spaces converge. At the same time, it highlights the various strategies employed by multiple actors to ensure their security and control. These operational methods are very often far from complying with the normative framework and principles of good international maritime governance, despite these being clearly set out in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Fundamentally, through an interpretative geopolitical approach, this analysis aims to highlight the emergence of new international power dynamics, coupled with new hybrid threats, which are undermining the security instruments that have prevailed until now. Maritime straits are thus moving beyond their role as transit chokepoints to become major theatres of conflict capable of reshaping regional and continental balances of power.
Maritime straits; security; trade flows; power; UNCLOS.
The Transformation of the Administrative Judge’s Function in the Context of Automated Administrative Justice in Morocco
This paper investigates the fundamental transformation of the administrative judge's role driven by the accelerating automation of justice. While algorithmic systems enhance judicial efficiency by reducing adjudication timeframes and alleviating routine administrative burdens, they generate complex challenges, notably the risk of automated bias and the difficulty of auditing the algorithmic "black box." Consequently, the judge's function is evolving from traditional dispute resolution to the scrutiny of the automated logic underlying decisions. Drawing upon a comparative approach, the study concludes that establishing a legislative framework and amending procedural laws are imperative to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in courts. This approach ensures a delicate balance between technological efficiency, fair trial guarantees, and the principle of legality.
Predictive Justice, Administrative Disputes, Artificial Intelligence.
Borders in Africa: Conflictual geopolitics on multiple scales
Against a backdrop of geopolitical upheaval and disruption in Africa, this article aims to demonstrate, through a multi-scale analysis, how the central issue of borders on the African continent generates tensions and conflicts between states. Beyond their spatial perception as territorial demarcation lines, the dynamics of borders raise more complex dimensions: political, socio-economic and security. They also raise the urgent need to rethink the notion of these dividing lines, not as spaces of closure and partition, but rather as epicenters of openness, connectivity and the movement of goods and people. It is at this level of managing the conflictual nature of African borders, combining economic development and security, that the geopolitical issues and challenges that must be addressed are truly located. This is also an essential condition for Africa to be able to fully integrate into the global system and escape the trap of geopolitical rivalries between the major powers, positioning itself as a decisive player in an increasingly multipolar world order.
African borders; conflict; closure/openness; challenges; security.
Between Interpretation and Observation: The Image of Dhofar in the Writings of Travelers in the Islamic Era
The descriptions and traditions of the peoples in the Islamic East received notable attention from travelers during the Islamic era, specifically between the 6th and 9th centuries AH (Hijri). Upon returning to their homelands, they would record the routes they took and the events they encountered. Their arrival to Omani territories, specifically to Dhofar, was driven by a desire to learn various truths—some historical and others civilizational. Dhofar's strategic location overlooking the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, in addition to the natural resources it was distinguished by, such as frankincense, myrrh, and ambergris, played a major role in it enjoying prestigious commercial and economic relations and status throughout the ages. The study aims to highlight the image of the city of Dhofar as seen by those travelers through a critical analytical approach to the texts of travelers who addressed the city of Dhofar in the Middle Ages. This is done by distinguishing between the direct observation recorded by the traveler during their presence in the city, and the subjective interpretation through which they formulated those observations according to their cultural, intellectual, and religious backgrounds. The study departs from a hypothesis stating that the travel description does not only express the material reality of the city, but also simultaneously reflects the travelers' preconceptions and impressions about the place and the other. Accordingly, this study seeks to analyze the image of Dhofar in travel writings through a comparative critical reading, revealing the limits of objectivity in these texts and highlighting the interplay between sensory description and mental interpretation. This contributes to a deeper understanding of the city's representation in travel discourse during that historical period.
Travelers; Dhofar; Islamic era; Omani lands; frankincense.
Yasser Moustafa Abdelwahab Moustafa Abdelwahab
Towards emotional leadership in a military context
In operational environments marked by uncertainty and pressure, leaders’ ability to mobilise emotional resources has proven to be an essential pillar for ensuring efficiency and cohesion within organizations. The military context doesn’t represent an exception, as the success of military operations depends largely on the effective management of psychological dynamics within the military community. This article draws upon a range of leadership theories, with particular emphasis on emerging approaches. The empirical investigation, conducted on a sample of military officers, adopts a methodological triangulation combining documentary analysis, semi-structured interviews, and the application of the weighted voting method. This methodological approach enables the assessment of the importance of emotional competencies in leadership practice. The study further identifies the main characteristics forging the current conception of military leadership, highlighting the growing prominence of the emotional dimension. The results therefore invite military leaders to strengthen the development of such competencies in order to enhance human capital and, consequently, improve organizational performance.
Leadership, military, emotional competencies.
Agricultural exploitation patterns in the phosphate plateau: between climate challenges and adaptation strategies
The inhabitants of the phosphate plateau rely heavily on rainfed agriculture, particularly the cultivation of staple grains, and livestock farming, given the semi-arid nature of the region. Their agricultural activities are largely based on modern methods and techniques. This agricultural practice is closely linked to weather and climate fluctuations. The climatic changes experienced by the phosphate plateau in recent years, linked to global shifts, have impacted production and yields, and consequently, agricultural practices. Some projects, such as intensifying and adding value to agricultural products, developing the red meat sector, implementing new farming methods, adopting crop diversification, and cultivating fruit trees, have aimed to mitigate and adapt to agricultural changes and achieve agricultural development
Agricultural exploitation patterns, climate change, adaptation, agricultural development, phosphate plateau
Methodological Approaches to Measuring the Aridity Index in the Dades Oasis: An Analytical and Applied Study
The calculation of the aridity index aims to analyze rainfall and temperature data using various statistical tools in order to obtain indicators that help evaluate the severity of rainfall deficit. It also makes it possible to classify dry and wet years according to their temporal and spatial characteristics. This approach is based on the application of specific methods and formulas, including those of Emberger, De Martonne, and Köppen. The results show that the aridity index is an effective tool for identifying the type of climate in a given area, as it helps distinguish between climatic regions based on their level of aridity or humidity. This study seeks to apply certain methods of calculating the drought coefficient to the Dades oasis, with the aim of assessing the severity of rainfall deficit therein and classifying dry years, while analyzing their temporal frequency, thereby enabling a more precise understanding of drought dynamics within this fragile oasis area.
approaches – aridity – aridity index – measurement methodology – Dades Oasis
المنتوجات الرستاقية وأنماط إعادة تشكيل المجال ببلاد تالوين -الأطلس الصغير الغربي
شهدت بلاد تالوين دينامية مجالية بارزة في بناء وإعادة تشكيل مشاهدها الريفية، بفعل التحولات المجالية والاقتصادية والاجتماعية. كما تأثرت المشاهد الجبلية ببرامج تأهيل الموارد الترابية، التي تعتبر أهم ألية لتدخل الفاعلين في إعادة تشكيل هذا المجال، ليستجيب لانتظارات الساكنة المحلية التي تعاني من عجز بنيوي على مستوى تأهيل البنيات التحتية. على ضوء هذه التحولات التي تعرفها العناصر المتحكمة في تشكيل المشهد الريفي الجبلي، تبرز أهمية تنويع خيارات المنتوجات الترابية، لتأهيل وإعادة تشكيل المجال الريفي، سيما منتوج الزعفران الذي حظي بأولوية تحديث سلسلة إنتاجه محلياً. يركز هذا المقال على بعض حالات إعادة تشكيل المجال الجبلي، وتفاوت انعكاساتها وتتبع الأشكال الكبرى لإعادة تشكيل المجال بتالوين، بالتركيز على موارد ترابية وازنة كالثوم باعتبارها زراعة دخيلة انتشرت بالمجال لأهمية مردودها وعائداتها. من خلال الميدان وإحصائيات المديرية الجهوية للفلاحة والمرئيات الفضائية ظهر جلياً، اتساع المساحة التي تشغلها غراسة التفاح المحلي، الذي يحظى باهتمام متزايد، أضحت بعض المجالات تعرف سيادة غراسته. كما نال الزعفران اهتمام كبير، انعكس بتحولات عميقة مست بنية المشاهد الريفية للمجالات المنتجة له. هذا الأخير زاد من مداخيل الأسر المحلية، واستقطب مستثمرين أجانب ومحليين، عملوا على تثمينه وتسويقه، مما أسهم في جعل الزعفران علامة تجارية مسجلة باسم بلاد تالوين. وتُعتبر زراعته من أبرز التجارب الوطنية الرائدة في إعادة تشكيل المجال الجبلي، المرتبط بزراعة منتجات ترابية تتطلب ظروفاً طبيعية ودرايات محلية خاصة...الخ).
المنتوجات الرستاقية/الترابية، إعادة التشكيل المجالي، الديناميات الريفية، التغير المناخي، الهجرة...
Forest Degradation between Natural Constraints and Human Exploitation: The Case of Bab Boudir and Maghraoua Communes (Eastern Middle Atlas)
This study examines the dynamics of forest resources in the Bab Boudir and Maghraoua communes (Northeastern Middle Atlas) amid current climatic and anthropogenic pressures. Using fieldwork, remote sensing, and GIS, the analysis reveals accelerated degradation over the past four decades, with a loss of 27,58 hectares (41% of forest cover) and a significant reduction in vegetation density. This decline stems from natural factors, notably drought, and excessive human exploitation. Consequently, the local ecosystem faces severe threats from vegetation loss and diminished biodiversity.
Forest resource dynamics, Northeastern Middle Atlas, Degradation, Remote Sensing, Anthropogenic Pressures.
From Environmental Education to Education for Sustainable Development: Knowledge and Perceptions of Social Studies Teachers and Inspectors Toward This Transition
This article aims to examine the perceptions, knowledge, and engagement of Social Studies teachers and inspectors regarding the transition from Environmental Education to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), as well as to explore the dimensions of this emerging concept. The scope of the study was limited to teachers and inspectors, without including textbooks or official documents, given that the concept of Education for Sustainable Development does not explicitly appear in the curricula or official pedagogical documents of Social Studies. The research was guided by a central research question: What is the level of knowledge and engagement of Social Studies teachers and inspectors regarding this transition? And which of the three dimensions (environmental, economic, or social) predominates in their perceptions? From this central question, three sub-questions and three hypotheses were derived. The study drew on three previous studies, both Arab and international, to inform its theoretical and empirical frameworks. A descriptive-analytical approach was adopted, and the research instrument consisted of a questionnaire administered to 70 Social Studies teachers and 10 inspectors. The findings confirmed the first and second hypotheses while rejecting the third. The results also revealed a limited level of knowledge among teachers and inspectors regarding the concept of Education for Sustainable Development, with a clear dominance of the environmental dimension at both the knowledge and classroom practice levels, compared to the relatively weak presence of the economic and social dimensions. These findings highlight the need to strengthen professional training in this field.
Environmental Education, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), Social Studies, Teachers, Educational Inspectors.
Internal Fractures and External Influence: Sectarianism, Non-State Actors, and the Geopolitics of MENA Conflicts
The study aimed to understand the role of sectarianism and non-state actors—such as militias, parties, and armed groups—in creating internal divisions and civil wars, facilitating foreign intervention, and transforming these issues into external proxy wars in the Middle East and North Africa region. The descriptive-analytical and historical methods were used to describe, analyze, and explain past phenomena and events. The study concluded with several results, most notably that sectarianism has significantly destabilized the region. It was used as a tool for political power, through which regional conflicts were transformed from religious conflicts into geopolitical ones that diminished the effectiveness of the national state. The study also concluded that non-state actors filled governance vacuums in regional countries and became decisive players in regional disputes; they replaced weak states by providing security and basic services to local populations, which boosted their legitimacy and weakened central governments. The study's primary recommendations include the necessity of building strong states that prioritize citizenship over sectarian identity and the need to provide public services to all citizens regardless of their affiliations. It also recommended exercising international pressure and imposing sanctions on funding networks that support militias, terrorist groups, and non-state actors to paralyze their financial and military capabilities. Furthermore, the study recommended the need to curb sectarian and hate speech and to transition from authoritarian regimes to democratic systems that ensure equal representation for all segments of society.
Sectarianism, Non-State Actors, Internal Divisions, Civil Wars, External Proxy Wars, Middle East and North Africa region
The War on Iran Through the Lens of Offensive Realism by John Mearsheimer
Samuel Huntington’s clash of civilizations theory is evident in the ongoing American-Israeli war against Iran. Huntington argued that the West, facing declining influence, would resist through tactics rather than cultural hegemony. He emphasized “modernization” over “Westernization” and predicted an alliance between Islamic and Chinese civilizations against the West—reflected today in Chinese-Iranian cooperation. He also foresaw a cultural war between China and the US. Washington views Iran as a means to hinder China’s rise, given Iranian oil’s importance to the Chinese economy. China adopts defensive realism, seeking multipolarity, while the US pursues offensive realism, aiming for absolute hegemony. The war also involves regional rivalry between Israel and Iran, with Israel again serving US interests as it did during the Cold War. The conflict has expanded to include Gulf states, Lebanon, Jordan, Yemen, and potentially the Horn of Africa. John Mearsheimer’s offensive neorealism complements Huntington’s view: rising powers threaten dominant ones, prompting efforts to preserve unipolarity. The convergence of these frameworks is clear in the war on Iran, whose outcome may shape the future international order. The paper concludes that Washington acts offensively to disrupt Iranian oil and China’s Silk Road access, while Beijing responds defensively to preserve its gains and challenge US hegemony.
defensive realism – offensive realism – Clash of civilisations
The Ongoing Changes in Syria After December 8, 2024: Implications for the Region and the Arab World
The fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime on December 8, 2024, represents a pivotal turning point during the Syrian conflict, which has extended for more than a decade and has profound implications for the regional and Arab landscape. The rapid disintegration of the previous governance system under the pressure of military operations led to the reshaping of the political map in the Arab East. This study examines in detail the internal transformations in Syria, including the dynamics of forming the transitional authority, the challenges of building a unified military institution, and the impact of these changes on regional balances, particularly the roles of international and regional actors in shaping future stability, as well as the deteriorating humanitarian situation and human rights conditions. The study also analyzes the realignments regionally and internationally, focusing on the roles of Turkey, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and the Gulf states, in addition to major international powers such as Russia, the United States, and the European Union. The analysis reveals the complexities of the new Syrian landscape, where hopes for stability and reconstruction clash with the risks of continued conflict and division. Especially considering the enormous economic challenges and the ongoing sectarian tensions.
Fall of Assad, political transition, reconstruction, regional conflict, the Arab World
Assessing Senior Leadership Competence in MENA Security Agencies: A Psychological and Behavioral Approach
The present study aimed to identify the role of psychological and behavioral tests in measuring the competence of senior leaders in security and military institutions in the Middle East and North Africa. The study was conducted on a sample of (61) leaders and officers from security and military institutions in the Middle East and North Africa. The descriptive-analytical approach was adopted to implement the study procedures. The study instrument consisted of a questionnaire developed by the researcher. The results revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between the results of psychological and behavioral tests and both leadership competencies in field situations and the actual leadership performance at senior command positions, confirming the effectiveness of these tests in measuring leadership competence. The findings also indicated the presence of obstacles that limit the application of these tests, albeit to a moderate degree, along with clear agreement that developing and adapting the tests to the regional context contributes to enhancing their accuracy and effectiveness. Furthermore, the results showed statistically significant differences attributed to the variables of age, years of experience, and type of institution, with differences in favor of younger and middle age groups and in favor of military personnel, while no statistically significant differences were found with respect to the educational qualification variable. The researcher recommended adopting a scientifically developed methodology adapted to institutional specificities when implementing tools for assessing the competence of senior leaders.
Psychological and Behavioral Tests – Senior Leadership Competence – Security and Military Institutions – Middle East and North Africa.
Morocco’s southern Saharan provinces: The Trajectory of Transformation and the Prospects of conflict Resolution
many historical factors have converged to shape the conflict over Moroccan Sahara, weather within the framework of colonial polities or through the formation of regional positions that seek to undermine Morocco’s efforts to complete its territorial unity, and achieving anticipate geopolitical gains, this is essentially due to the strategic importance that this region has historically held and continues hold. In response, Morocco has pursued various instruments aimed at achieving an objective and realistic to compromise through negotiation, Most notably the autonomy plan proposed in 2007 for the Southern Saharan Provinces, after more than 18 years, this initiative has gained the international recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Sahara, as reflected in UN security Council Resolution 2797, alongside this diplomatic approach, Morocco has undertaken substantial investments to develop the region by lunching major projects that contribute, first, to enhancing economic and social development in the area, an second, to strengthening regional integration between Morocco and its African roots.
Morocco’s southern Saharan provinces – Historical Factors - POLISARIO Front - 2797 Resolution – Economic And Social Development.
The role of command, reconnaissance, and intelligence in formulating military strategies within the theater of operations.
This study aimed to identify the role of command, reconnaissance, and intelligence in formulating military strategies within the theater of operations, to determine the challenges facing the integration of command, reconnaissance, and intelligence, and to propose strategies to improve coordination between command and intelligence to ensure the effectiveness of military operations. The historical and inductive methods were used, leading to several findings, the most important of which are: the integration of command, reconnaissance, and intelligence significantly enhances the effectiveness of military operations, making military units more capable of achieving their goals quickly and efficiently. Additionally, the lack of modern technology in some units hinders the effectiveness of reconnaissance and intelligence, necessitating the updating of equipment and systems to gather information more efficiently. The study recommended several suggestions, including the recommendation to develop specialized training programs for military leaders on the use of intelligence information to enhance their capabilities in data analysis and strategic decision-making, along with the need for research on future challenges in the fields of reconnaissance and intelligence, which would help identify new trends and prepare for upcoming challenges.
command, reconnaissance, intelligence, military strategies, theater of operations.
The Role of Qatari Women in the Military Sector of Qatar: 2018–2024
The study aims to identify the role of Qatari women in the military sector, where their participation does not exceed 20%, and to determine the factors limiting their involvement. The study examines the cultural and social factors affecting women, in addition to the obstacles they face within the armed forces. It is based on a research problem centered on the extent of Qatari women’s contribution to the military sector, and on the hypothesis that changing cultural and societal perceptions would enhance women’s role in this field. The study adopted a case study approach through conducting interviews, where 15 interviews were carried out with Qatari male and female employees working in different military units at the Qatari Ministry of Defense. In addition, a quantitative approach was used to measure the level of Qatari women’s contribution to the military sector by collecting and analyzing statistics related to the numbers and percentages of Qatari women employed at the Ministry of Defense during the period from 2018 to 2024, in both civilian and military positions. The study reached several findings, most notably that the percentage of Qatari women employed in civilian positions at the Ministry of Defense between 2018 and 2024 reached 67%, indicating a preference among Qatari women for civilian jobs compared to military positions, which did not exceed 20%. The results also showed that 13% of Qatari women were employed in other fields, such as medical services, including medicine, nursing, and first aid, in addition to certain service-related jobs such as kitchen work. These findings indicate the continued presence of obstacles limiting the integration of Qatari women into the military sector. These obstacles are distributed across social, cultural, and institutional levels, with social and cultural barriers being the most prominent, along with a lack of societal awareness of the importance of women’s role, weak training, and inadequate strategic planning. This highlights the need to provide an attractive work environment to achieve better integration between males and females in shared tasks and joint projects.
Keywords: Qatar, Qatari women, Qatari Ministry of Defense, armed forces, gender.
Territorial dynamics and the development of the competitive pole in France: the case of Cosmetic Valley
This article adresses the concept of "territorial space" as a fundamental concept linked to human beings on the one hand, and their living environment on the other. The focus is on this concept within the context of the development of the competitive landscape associated with cosmetics in France. We have chosen to translate the term "Territoire" as "territorial space" because it aligns with the subject matter and accurately conveys the meaning inherent in the term. While the origins of this concept vary in translation, we find that several researchers also translate it as "earth." Therefore, the aim of this article is to highlight the concept of "territorial space" and its importance as a fundamental element in the production process at its various stages, while preserving its distinctive characteristics, as well as its evolution within the framework of competitive landscapes. To achieve this, we divided the article into three main axes. The first axis deals with the concept of territorial space in its relations with competitive poles. The second axis addresses the “Cosmetic Valley” model in France as a vital path for territorial space. The last axis discusses and analyzes the dynamics that this territorial space is witnessing with the aim of achieving development.
Territorial space, dynamics, competitive poles, local production patterns, cosmetics, development.
The Impact of the Twelve-Day War Between Israel and Iran on Aerial and Intelligence Security in Arab States
Abstract The Twelve-Day War between Israel and Iran in June 2025 represented a profound regional security turning point, demonstrating that Arab states—despite not being direct participants in the conflict—were among those most affected by its aerial and intelligence repercussions. The mutual strikes, involving ballistic missiles, armed drones, and stealth technologies, posed direct threats to Arab airspace, prompting countries such as Iraq, Jordan, and Qatar to close their skies, while others were forced to activate air defense systems to intercept projectiles that violated their airspace. The war also caused major disruptions to international civil aviation, generating economic losses and operational pressures on Arab airlines. From an intelligence perspective, the conflict highlighted the critical importance of early warning systems and real-time intelligence sharing, as satellite networks and intelligence alliances played a decisive role in protecting civilians and limiting damage. At the same time, the war exposed relative weaknesses in intra-Arab intelligence coordination. Overall, the conflict confirmed that Arab air and intelligence security has become intrinsically linked to neighboring regional conflicts, underscoring the urgent need to modernize air defense capabilities, enhance intelligence autonomy, and establish more effective regional coordination mechanisms to confront short-duration but high-intensity wars with far-reaching impacts.
Israel–Iran War, Arab Air Security, Ballistic Missiles, Early Warning Systems.
Assessment and monitoring of drought using meteorological indices in a semi-arid region: The case of the Oued El Grou (Morocco)
The main objective of this study is to characterize drought in the El Grou basin, using the standardized precipitation index (SPI), over a period of 46 years from 1976 to 2002. The results obtained show the alternation of dry and wet years with a marked trend towards dry periods, resulting in an accumulated frequency of severe or even extreme drought years. This remark is confirmed on two stations, which are Ras Fatiha and Sidi Jabbour. The results obtained by SPI on 12 less in Oued El Grou, are similar with other research carried out on some basins using the same index, which means that drought is structural given in Morocco.
climate change, Oued El Grou, drought, SPI
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Strategic and Military Studies
Revising military doctrine: Why states adapt to armed groups threats despite conventional superiority? The Case of Israeli Military Doctrine Adapting to Asymmetric Threats from Hamas (2008 –2023)
Why do states adapt to threats posed by non-state armed groups armed Groups’ actors despite their conventional military superiority? This study examines the review of Israel’s military doctrine between 2008 and 2023, with a focus on the decisive component as a central element, despite the state’s overwhelming conventional and technological superiority. The research examines the impact of asymmetric threats, particularly those posed by Hamas, on the development of Israel’s ability to make rapid and decisive decisions and achieve clear outcomes in conflicts. The study relies on a comprehensive analysis of official Israeli military and security documents to identify the mechanisms linking asymmetric threats to the review of the decisiveness component within the military doctrine. The findings indicate a shift from reliance on deterrence and preemptive strikes toward concepts of active defense and conflict management between wars, accompanied by an enhanced capacity for decisiveness in military operations. This transformation reflects a dynamic strategic adaptation to a changing and asymmetric security environment, rather than a weakness in Israel’s military or technological capabilities.
Military doctrine; Decisive component; Asymmetric warfare; Palestinian resistance; Israel; Gaza Strip
Mauritania, a strategic obstacle in the regional power struggle between Morocco and Algeria
From a dynamic geostrategic perspective, the aim of this article is to provide depth analysis of Mauritania’s place in the game of geopolitical rivalry and influence between Morocco and Algeria for regional leadership in the Maghreb, the Sahel and West Africa. Aware of the strategic importance of its geographical position and its decisive role in the African policy of these two antagonists, Nouakchott intends to play the subtle card of neutrality in its favor, both economically and politically. For the Kingdom of Morocco, the stakes represented by this lock are vital both its geoeconomic interests in the region and for the overall defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. For its part, Algeria, aware of the extent of the credibility of Moroccan economic and political initiatives in the Sahel-West Africa region, is trying to sabotage them by exerting pressure on Nouakchott or by cloning, but to no avail, the major Moroccan economic projects that are highly successful in Mauritania and the rest of Africa, particulary in the Sahel and in ECOWAS.
Geopolitical rivalry; regional leadership; Morocco; Algeria; Mauritania.
The confederation of Sahel States (CSS): A Geopolitical with Multiple Challenges
Taking a reflective geopolitical perspective, this article has two objectives: firstly, to use geopolitical and geoeconomic analysis to show how the Sahel region has become a field of regional and even international rivalery between different actors seeking to extend their influence over this part of African continent. Secondly, it consists of first questioning the vital issues that this region represents for Morocco, given the two geostrategic initiatives that the kingdom has launched: Africa-Atlantic and its complement, the mega gas pipeline project linking Nigera to Morocco. Secondly, it aims to show how the young Confederation of Sahelian States could benefit from this, in the wake of its withdrawal from ECOWAS, to escape the trap of poverty and the vagaries of insecurity and terrorism that plague the area. In this vision, the Sahel-Atlantic dynamic of opening up the Sahelian countries by linking them to the global system of international maritime trade flows is proving to be not only an innovative vector for socieconomic development and South-South partnership, but also a lever for political stabilization and security throughout the Sahel-Saharan sphere. Its, in effect, the prelude to a new geopolitical configuration based on the appeasement of conflicts, the opening up of the Sahel to the world, and its economic inclusion.
Sahel; rivalery; landlocked /opening; insecurity; economic development.