The governance landscape in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has undergone profound shifts, characterized by the emergence of hybrid governance models that blend the roles of state and non-state actors. These transformations challenge traditional notions of governance and reflect the unique sociopolitical dynamics of a region marked by conflict, cultural diversity, and historical legacies. Hybrid governance has become a defining feature of conflict-affected regions in MENA, where weak state institutions are complemented—or at times supplanted—by non-state actors. This framework blends formal authority with informal mechanisms to address governance vacuums. As Alaoui (2022) highlights, the evolution of governance structures in MENA often hinges on adaptive strategies that accommodate both state authority and grassroots initiatives. Such hybrid systems are not merely responses to state failure but reflect an ongoing negotiation of power and legitimacy between actors operating within fragmented political environments. In Iraq, for example, the coexistence of the central government, autonomous Kurdish entities, and armed non-state actors exemplifies the hybrid governance paradigm. Elayah and Lambert (2023) detail how these arrangements maintain a semblance of political order amidst persistent instability, underscoring the need for adaptable governance frameworks that incorporate local realities. Similarly, Libya’s fragmented governance structures, as explored by Furness and Trautner (2020), illustrate how militias and transitional authorities navigate the complexities of power-sharing in the absence of strong state institutions.