Abstract
Dateline MEI
The launch of Contemporary Review of the Middle East (CRME) in 2014 by the Middle East Institute, New Delhi was ambitious. Among the critical challenges was the paucity of established scholarship on Middle Eastern studies in India and the question of finding a readership with few research centers/university departments focused on the subject. The few that pursued Middle East studies (or West Asian studies as it is often called in India) have either assimilated into Arabic and Islamic studies or are considered a mere extension of International Studies. Further, an even more critical task was to remain afloat and financially viable given the upheaval being experienced in the publication industry globally. Thus, at its inception, it appeared an impossible task to be able to run a scholarly double-blind peer-reviewed journal focused entirely on Middle East studies and based in India.
In the initial years, the journal did struggle to keep up with timely publications due to limited submissions. Maintaining the quality of the publications meant that the journal editorial team had to abide by the suggestions and decisions of the reviewers, with a notable rejection rate. The support, untiring efforts, and perseverance of several individuals and Sage as the publication house enabled and ensured CRME to stand on its feet. Thus, under the stewardship of Professor P. R. Kumaraswamy—the founder editor—the journal has achieved many milestones in its decade-long journey. Not only has it maintained its timely periodicity but has also attained an impressive acceptance rate of 20%. Becoming Scopus-index in 2019 and attaining impact factor in 2020 were moments of cheer for everyone associated with the journal.
As I take over the task of editing the CRME from the 11th volume, I am thankful to the MEI@ND for reposing faith in me to undertake this responsibility. The future is full of excitement but also accompanied by challenges and my focus would be on taking forward the journal to its logical journey of establishing it as a leading international journal on Middle East studies. I also take this opportunity to thank the members of the editorial board for their guidance and looking forward to their continued support as we advance. The professional team at Sage handling the responsibilities of keeping the production timeline deserves special thanks, and we seek their continued assistance in timely publication. Finally, I shall take this opportunity to express my personal gratitude to Professor P. R. Kumaraswamy for his guidance, mentoring, and for reposing faith in my abilities to take over the responsibility.
The March 2024 volume comprises an exciting mix of six scholarly articles on various issues ranging from the portrayal of the Arab world in the comic series Tintin to a sustainability analysis of the Middle East North Africa region, besides carrying three book reviews. Over to the articles!