Mehmet Ali Yüksel

The Middle East is engulfed in chaos regarding peace and security, exacerbated by issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts, ethnic and religious divisions, civil wars fueled by power struggles, military interventions by global actors, and terrorism. The traditional policies adopted by international and regional actors have proven ineffective in resolving these problems, highlighting the need for a new security paradigm in the region. Addressing the security challenges in the Middle East is crucial to mitigating the deepening and expanding security crises and ensuring lasting stability. This study sought to answer a key question: “Is it possible for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to play an active role in establishing and maintaining peace and security in the Middle East?” The research aimed to identify the obstacles that hinder the OIC from becoming an effective actor and to propose potential solutions. Furthermore, the study analyzed whether an international organization-centered approach, based on collective security, could serve as an alternative to the traditional policies centered on individuals, groups, and states that dominate the search for security in the Middle East. This analysis was conducted through the lens of the OIC. The findings and recommendations of this study aim to contribute to the Middle East studies literature, particularly from a security perspective.