Decentralisation is a buzzword commonly utilised in relation to post-conflict state-building and peacebuilding efforts, including in the MENA region. However, its theory and practice are still burdened by the Western heritage of classical political thought. Instead, the author proposes a more tailored approach, in which those common assertions are confronted with the conditions on the ground. Throughout the paper, the tradition of limited statehood, the prevalence in many areas of non-state political actors, as well as the importance of traditional law are analysed. The evidence suggests that non-state actors are likely to play a significant role after the conflict ends, whether it is desired by politicians or not. As such, accommodating them based on contemporary and historical examples as well as innovative mechanisms, and accepting the possibility of legal pluralism and non-territorial autonomy arrangements may result in new, promising decentralisation initiatives tailored for the particular conditions of Middle Eastern states.

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