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This special issue seeks to explore the concept of “transnational governance” in the Arab world using the prism of migration.  Research on Arab political systems has generally focused on the state and local level dynamics of domestic politics.  Little attention has been dedicated to transnational approaches to governance, to understanding the effects of the “complex interdependence” between the domestic and transnational on state policies. In this special issue, we conceptualize the impact of migration on transnational governance as having a two-part, mutually reinforcing dynamic:  How Arab states have sought to "govern" their diasporas; and how diasporas have in turn sought to influence governance in the sending states.  We are concerned with the extent to which governance practiced at different levels and shaped by the twin discourses of “citizens abroad” and the “state of origin” affects Arab state institutions and policies. The overarching questions that we aim to address include: How is the very existence of a diaspora reflected in the political institutions and structures of the origin state? And how has the existence of a diaspora led, intentionally or unintentionally to the adoption of particular policies? How have Arab states sought to leverage or ‘discipline’ their Diasporas, and how have these efforts been reflected in institutional settings? How have Diaspora communities and organizations sought to challenge or support the sending state’s leadership or regime? When Diaspora activists have sought to erode or unsettle authoritarianism in their state of origin, what forms does their ‘politics of contention’ take and   through which means (media, protest movements, campaigns, lobby, advocacy) is it articulated? What are the implications of state Diaspora policies and Diaspora politics for assessing political change, especially in the countries most deeply affected by the recent Arab uprisings?&#160;Scholars/researchers interested in contributing to this special issue are asked to send a paper proposal of 300-400 words by 15 August, 2016 to Profs. Laurie Brand and Tamirace Fakhoury (brand@usc.edu and tamy.fakhoury@gmail.com) ; decisions  regarding acceptance will be sent no later than 1 September 2016.  The final papers, conforming to Mashriq&#38;Mahjar format (http://lebanesestudies.ojs.chass.ncsu.edu/index.php/mashriq/about/submissions#authorGuidelines), must be received by 15 January 2017