Climate Change; State Legitimacy and the Potential for Redefining the Political in Mesopotamia

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Law and Political Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran (Corresponding author).

2 Researcher, Conflict and Cooperation in the Middle East Research Group, Center for Scientific Research and Strategic Studies of the Middle East, Tehran, Iran.

10.22126/mps.2026.12872.1102

Abstract

Climate change, as one of the most significant challenges of the contemporary era, has profound effects on political structures and the legitimacy of states. In the Mesopotamia region, which has a long history of environmental changes and water resource crises, this issue is of particular importance. In light of the foregoing, the research question can be formulated as follows: How can climate change influence the legitimacy of states and provide an opportunity for the redefinition of the political? The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between climate crises and the redefinition of political power in Mesopotamia, and to investigate whether environmental changes can pave the way for the formation of new political norms and institutions. It is also hypothesized that climate change not only poses a threat to the stability of states but can also act as a driving force in redefining the political and rebuilding state legitimacy. Through the analysis of qualitative data, it can be estimated that climate crises, by exerting pressure on vital resources, limit and diminish the ability of states to respond to needs, leading to the emergence of new political solutions and structures. Understanding and managing the impacts of climate change is essential for maintaining legitimacy and political stability in vulnerable regions such as Mesopotamia, and the redefinition of the political can be a strategic response to this challenge. In addition to economic and social pressures, climate change affects the legitimacy of states and their capacity to manage vital resources. A state that fails to respond promptly and effectively to environmental crises will face declining public trust and increasing dissatisfaction.

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 25 September 2025
  • Revise Date: 14 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 14 March 2026

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