Middle States Research Articles

The Limbo Party

This piece is comprised of video stills from The Limbo Party, an audio-visual collaborative project cumulated through a long-term creative and dialogical process that explored representations of human mobility, archaeology, and landscape between 2017 and 2019. The Limbo Party features a group of “limbo experts,” Tivoli Föreningen, a self-organized association of refugees in southern Sweden. Initially, members of this group came together to learn Swedish, but then later expanded to include a wide range of practical and leisure activities. This led to the development of The Limbo Party, an arts-based investigation that considers how spatio-temporal concepts, such as limbo and twilight, can be metaphorically connected to the state(s) of waiting for asylum or other such permits. In so doing, the project explores the relationship between middle states, potential states, and suspended states in relation to migration. Together we interpreted and materialised concepts of limbo, investigating its limits and potentialities as a fertile, subversive and creative space. The first part of the process connected the contemporary reality of refugees living in Blekinge with a nearby iron-age pagan cult site. Banners were produced and placed on the ‘Dansbana’ (a typical space for dancing during social gatherings) of the local social centre followed by a party and twilight walks through the area of great archaeological significance. A second phase saw the conception and creation of a messenger-object from limbo and its ‘finding’ in the local landscape along with the the message/gift it was sent to communicate.

Highly radiogenic lead in Shandong bronzes (5th-3rd century BC) and lead mines provides evidence of a metal road from China to Korea and Japan

The origin of the lead materials containing highly radiogenic lead (HRL) isotopes found in bronzes dating back to the 4th–2nd century BCE in Korea and Japan remains enigmatic. The lead isotope analysis conducted on 111 bronzes, slags, and lead ores from Shandong, China, has provided valuable insights into the establishment of the metal trade network in Northeast Asia. The findings reveal a notable transition in the source of lead material used in Shandong from the early to the middle and late Warring States periods. Initially, Shandong bronzes heavily relied on imported lead materials from Central China; however, during the middle and late Warring States periods, there was a shift towards the utilization of HRL (206Pb/204Pb range: 18.6–23.1) and lead with low 206Pb/204Pb ratios, which were uncommon in other regions of China contemporaneously. The isochron relationship (2.29 Ga) between the 207Pb/204Pb-206Pb/204Pb of the HRL bronzes from Shandong, Japan-Korea, and the HRL lead ores of the Xiliang lead mine in Yishui, Shandong, demonstrates a strong correlation, suggesting that the HRL metal materials prevalent in Northeast Asia during the 4th–2nd century BCE likely originated from the Tai-Yi Mountains in Shandong Province.

Book Review: Iraq: Power, Institutions, and Identities

Iraq, with its natural resources, strategic location, population, army, historical and cultural richness, is an important actor in the Middle East. At the same time, Iraq struggles with similar problems as many other Middle Eastern states: poverty, unemployment, proxy wars, terrorist attacks, political instability, weak institutionalization, and authoritarian regimes. Therefore, analyzing Iraq's recent history will also help to understand the current issues in the Middle East. In this book, the author analyzes Iraq from various perspectives such as economy, politics, history, culture, and demographic structure, addressing the underlying reasons for the country's chronic problems.

Small cell osteosarcoma: An NCDB analysis of demographic and socioeconomic factors of diagnosed patients.

e23504 Background: Small cell osteosarcoma (SCOS) is a rare subtype of osteosarcoma accounting for roughly 1.5% of all osteosarcomas. Its prognosis is slightly worse than conventional osteosarcoma. Exploring demographic trends in patients with a confirmed SCOS diagnosis may provide insight into its epidemiology and allow for earlier diagnosis. The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was analyzed to research the demographic factors in patients diagnosed with SCOS. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis utilizing the 2004–2020 National Cancer Database (NCDB) included patients with a histologically-confirmed diagnosis of SCOS (ICD-O-3 9185). Demographic factors (age, sex, race, Hispanic status, educational attainment, insurance status, facility type, distance from facility, and Charles-Deyo score) were analyzed via descriptive statistics. Incidence trends were interpreted in regression analysis. The mean survival was compared using the Log Rank (Mantel-Cox) test. Results: A cohort of 102 cases of SCOS were retrieved from the NCDB between 2004–2020. The primary sites for SCOS were the long bones of the lower limb (41%). Most patients were male (69%), White (63%), non-Hispanic (84%) with a mean age for diagnosis of 28 (SD = 18). The mean survival for males was 117 months (95% CI [93,141]), more than twice as long as females with 58 months (95% CI [31,85]). The Log Rank (Mantel-Cox) test reported a chi-square (χ²) value of 6.434, indicating a statistically significant difference between survival curves of males and females (p = 0.01). Residence in a metropolitan area (86%) was more common than other rural or urban areas. The greatest proportion of patients lived in the Middle or South Atlantic region of the United States (68%). The majority of patients were insured (86%), with the most covered by private insurance (64%) or Medicaid (22%). The median household income for each patient was most commonly in the highest quartile of over $74,063 (29%). Patients were diagnosed with SCOS at a steady rate between 2004 to 2020 (R² = 0.0956). Using the AJCC Cancer Staging System, most patients were Stage II (40%) or Stage IV (21%) at diagnosis. As a primary treatment, 87% of patients received chemotherapy. Most patients (91%) had no comorbidities with a Charlson-Deyo score of 0. Conclusions: This is the first time that demographic and socioeconomic factors of SCOS patients have been analyzed from the NCDB, revealing that the mean survival time of patients after receiving a diagnosis was more than double for males than females. SCOS patients are also more likely to live in metropolitan areas, particularly within the Middle or South Atlantic United States. Consistent with earlier reports, SCOS is typically diagnosed in young adults in the long bones of lower limbs. To better understand the impact of demographic factors on the diagnosis, treatment, and overall survival of patients with SCOS, further research is recommended.

Differential effects of mass-loading the eardrum and stiffening the middle ear on wideband absorbance.

The current work investigated the effects of mass-loading the eardrum on wideband absorbance in humans. A non-invasive approach to mass-loading the eardrum was utilized in which water was placed on the eardrum via ear canal access. The mass-loaded absorbance was compared to absorbance measured for two alternative middle ear states: normal and stiffened. To stiffen the ear, subjects pressurized the middle ear through either exsufflation or insufflation concurrent with Eustachian tube opening. Mass-loading the eardrum was hypothesized to reduce high-frequency absorbance, whereas pressurizing the middle ear was hypothesized to reduce low- to mid-frequency absorbance. Discriminant linear analysis classification was performed to evaluate the utility of absorbance in differentiating between conditions. Water on the eardrum reduced absorbance over the 0.7- to 6-kHz frequency range and increased absorbance at frequencies below approximately 0.5 kHz; these changes approximated the pattern of changes reported in both hearing thresholds and stapes motion upon mass-loading the eardrum. Pressurizing the middle ear reduced the absorbance over the 0.125- to 4-kHz frequency range. Several classification models based on the absorbance in two- or three-frequency bands had accuracy exceeding 88%.

Cloud seeding in the Middle East: a problematic solution to freshwater shortage

ABSTRACT Several Middle Eastern states seed clouds to help overcome the problem of deficit in freshwater supply. The global result of cloud seeding is far from certain, but Middle Eastern states are prepared to take the risk to increase their freshwater resource. There is no agreement between the stakeholders. Iran accuses several upwind states of stealing its clouds and reducing its rain. This paper looks at the cloud-seeding operations in the world with a focus on the Middle East. Cloud seeding is far from certain and it creates security concerns for downwind states or regions. International regulation seems to be required after a large-scale review of all the evidence from cloud-seeding endeavours.

Intake of Snacks and Sweets in a National Study of Built and Social Environments: the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke Study

BackgroundFew national studies across the United States’ rural-urban continuum examine neighborhood effects on snacks and sweets intake among adults. ObjectivesThis study examines associations of urbanicity/rurality-tailored measures of food store availability and neighborhood socioeconomic status (NSES) with the intake of snacks and sweets in a national sample of middle and older age adults. MethodsThis cross-sectional study used food frequency questionnaire data collected in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke study (N = 21,204). What We Eat in America food group categorizations guided outcome classification into 1 main category (total snacks and sweets) and 4 subcategories (savory snacks and crackers; sweet bakery products; candy and desserts; nutrition bars and low-fat snacks and sweets). NSES and food store availability were determined using geographic information systems. Food store availability was characterized as geographic access to primary food stores (e.g., supermarkets, supercenters, and select food retailers) in urbanicity/rurality-tailored neighborhood-based buffers. Multiple linear regression was used to predict each outcome. ResultsLiving in neighborhoods with a high density of primary food stores was associated with 8.6%, 9.5%, and 5.8% lower intake of total snacks and sweets, sweet bakery products, and candy and desserts, respectively. Living in the highest NSES quartile was associated with 11.3%, 5.8%, and 18.9% lower intake of total snacks and sweets, savory snacks and crackers, and sweet bakery products, respectively. Depending on primary food store availability, higher household income was associated with significantly greater intake of nutrition bars and low-fat snacks and sweets. Living in a United States Department of Agriculture-defined food desert was not associated with intake. ConclusionsIn a geographically diverse sample of middle and older age United States adults, living in neighborhoods with no primary food stores or neighborhoods of low-SES was associated with higher intake of total snacks and sweets and subgroups of snacks and sweets.

Влияние культурных особенностей на развитие социально-трудовых отношений и практику корпоративного обучения в странах Ближневосточного региона

The presented work examines the peculiarities of social and labor relations, approaches to the organization of personnel training and development in the Middle East and their conditionality with cultural and religious aspects of objective social reality. Despite the fact that the countries of the Middle East region have the largest and most diversified economies, there is practically no data or research results in the literature regarding strategies and practices of corporate training and personnel development in companies in these countries. The article notes that business owners are usually strongly influenced by national culture, which itself is strongly influenced by religion. Arab culture plays an important role in the formation of the organizational structure and decision-making in the organizations of the States of the region. Most senior executives in large private sector organizations tend to be citizens of the country, but they often act as managers, and day-to-day operations are run by expatriates. Citizens of Middle Eastern states do not adhere to the work ethic recognized in the West. It is concluded that, despite the high degree of awareness of the importance of corporate training and workforce development programs, the sphere of social and labor relations, personnel policy and principles of personnel management in companies in the region have their own characteristics due to the influence of religion and culture.

Psychological Disorders Linked to Osteoporosis Diagnoses in a Population-Based Cohort Study of Middle and Older Age United States Adults.

Although it is well established that psychological disorders and osteoporosis risk are linked, how the relationship manifests is not. This study examines depressive symptoms and a history of psychological problems as potential risk factors for osteoporosis diagnosis, adjudicating between 4 theoretical models rarely tested together. We analyze these models across multiple domains (i.e., demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related), while accounting for bone mineral density (BMD) scans, which have been shown to improve health equity across sex and racial/ethnic identities. Data from the 2012-2016, nationally representative, population-based, cohort Health and Retirement Study (N = 18,224-18,359) were used to estimate 4 logistic regression models with the outcome of osteoporosis diagnosis. Approximately 50% of the sample identified as female and 50% as male, while about 81% identified as White/European American, 11% as Black/African American, and 8% as another race/ethnicity. The key independent variables were depressive symptoms-measured using two common scales-and a history of psychological problems. A history of psychological problems and one depressive symptoms measure were associated with the odds of osteoporosis diagnosis in the presence of other known risk factors for osteoporosis. Support for the theoretical models was limited. Evidence suggests possible directionality; a history of psychological distress may be a risk factor for osteoporosis, though we cannot rule out the other direction. Public health professionals and healthcare providers should consider a history of psychological problems as a risk factor for osteoporosis when deciding whether to recommend a BMD scan.

Between Peace and Conflict: The Middle East After the Abraham Accords

In 2020, four Arab states - Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Sudan and Morocco - took their first steps toward normalizing relations with Israel with the active US support. This research is an attempt to identify the main incentives which made the Arab states act the way they did, as well as to analyze the situation of the Palestinians amidst the strengthening of relations between Israel and the Arab world. The author also examines how the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began on October 7, 2023, has affected the established diplomatic, economic, and military ties between the Jewish state and the Arab countries which signed the Abraham Accords. The study concludes that one of the main incentives for Arab states to normalize relations with Israel is the desire to deepen military and technical cooperation with the U.S. At the same time, it would be far-fetched to consider the normalization of relations between the four states and Israel as a step toward regional stabilization, given the reaction of the Palestinians and other Middle Eastern states to the agreements embraced. The reaction reflects the failure to find a common approach to the Middle East peace process as well as the fact that there is no region-widely shared view on shaping a new regional architecture. In this context, it is worth highlighting the situation of the Palestinians, for whom these agreements were a stab in the back and created unfavorable conditions for the establishment of a full-fledged state of Palestine. The study also emphasizes that the future of the “Abraham Accords” and the possibility of their expansion will depend on the development of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as on the readiness of the parties to reach a long-term peaceful settlement. The continuation of the conflict in Gaza would seriously undermine Israel’s image in the Arab world and would certainly undermine the fundamental principles of the Abraham Accords, which would diminish the importance of these agreements. This study offers a valuable perspective on the complex and dynamic relationships in the Middle East region and contributes to understanding the motives and consequences of recent geopolitical changes.

Nepal and the Middle East: Nonalignment and Economic Interests

Abstract: Nepal is a poor, nonaligned, landlocked country surrounded by India and China that has had good relations with both Israel and the Arab states due in large part to a foreign policy conducted on the basis of Panchasheel , composed of five principles: (1) mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, (2) noninterference in each other’s internal affairs, (3) respect for mutual equality, (4) nonaggression and peaceful settlements of disputes, and (5) cooperation for mutual benefit. This outlook has also motivated Nepal’s participation in many United Nations peacekeeping operations. Originally the object of a rivalry between Egypt and Israel, Nepal has attracted the attention of a number of other Middle Eastern states, particularly those in the Arab Gulf region, as witnessed by increasing diplomatic interactions and transportation connections with Nepal and/or its officials especially in recent years, while Nepalis provide much-needed labor for many of those same countries. Despite numbers of cases of worker abuse in the Middle East, Nepali laborers there provide remittances essential for families dealing with difficult living conditions in Nepal as well as a source of foreign revenue for that country.

Excess natural-cause mortality in US counties and its association with reported COVID-19 deaths

In the United States, estimates of excess deaths attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic have consistently surpassed reported COVID-19 death counts. Excess deaths reported to non-COVID-19 natural causes may represent unrecognized COVID-19 deaths, deaths caused by pandemic health care interruptions, and/or deaths from the pandemic's socioeconomic impacts. The geographic and temporal distribution of these deaths may help to evaluate which explanation is most plausible. We developed a Bayesian hierarchical model to produce monthly estimates of excess natural-cause mortality for US counties over the first 30 mo of the pandemic. From March 2020 through August 2022, 1,194,610 excess natural-cause deaths occurred nationally [90% PI (Posterior Interval): 1,046,000 to 1,340,204]. A total of 162,886 of these excess natural-cause deaths (90% PI: 14,276 to 308,480) were not reported to COVID-19. Overall, 15.8 excess deaths were reported to non-COVID-19 natural causes for every 100 reported COVID-19 deaths. This number was greater in nonmetropolitan counties (36.0 deaths), the West (Rocky Mountain states: 31.6 deaths; Pacific states: 25.5 deaths), and the South (East South Central states: 26.0 deaths; South Atlantic states: 25.0 deaths; West South Central states: 24.2 deaths). In contrast, reported COVID-19 death counts surpassed estimates of excess natural-cause deaths in metropolitan counties in the New England and Middle Atlantic states. Increases in reported COVID-19 deaths correlated temporally with increases in excess deaths reported to non-COVID-19 natural causes in the same and/or prior month. This suggests that many excess deaths reported to non-COVID-19 natural causes during the first 30 mo of the pandemic in the United States were unrecognized COVID-19 deaths.

국경을 넘는 고등교육 질 보장을 위한 인증 동향 탐색

This study aims to compare and analyze accreditation standards based on the 「Guideline for Quality Provision in Cross-border Higher Education」proposed by UNESCO and OECD and suggest improvement measures. For this purpose, we examined the definition of university quality through literature analysis. We compared and analyzed the accreditation areas and detailed criteria of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges in the United States. As a result of the systematic review and analysis, the current accreditation standards of university institutional assessment certification lacked measurement factors for effectiveness in measuring university quality. Therefore, this study recommends that future accreditation criteria evaluate improvements in institutional effectiveness and student learning outcome assessment. Governments and universities can utilize the results of this study in the design of accreditation standards that can enhance international applicability and induce university quality improvement.

Gas-phase synthesis of [OU-X]+ (X = Cl, Br and I) from a UO22+ precursor using ion-molecule reactions and an [OUCH]+ intermediate.

Difficulty in the preparation of gas-phase ions that include U in middle oxidation states(III,IV) have hampered efforts to investigate intrinsic structure, bonding and reactivity of model species. Our group has used preparative tandem mass spectrometry (PTMS) to synthesize a gas-phase U-methylidyne species, [OUCH]+, by elimination of CO from [UO2(CCH)]+ [M. J. van Stipdonk, I. J. Tatosian, A. C. Iacovino, A. R. Bubas, L. Metzler, M. C. Sherman and A. Somogyi, J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom., 2019, 30, 796-805], which has been used as an intermediate to create products such as [OUN]+ and [OUS]+ by ion-molecule reactions. Here, we investigated the reactions of [OUCH]+ with a range of alkyl halides to determine whether the methylidyne is a also a useful intermediate for production and study of the oxy-halide ions [OUX]+, where X = Cl, Br and I, formally U(IV) species for which intrinsic reactivity data is relatively scarce. Our experiments demonstrate that [OUX]+ is the dominant product ion generated by reaction [OUCH]+ with neutral regents such as CH3Cl, CH3CH2Br and CH2CHCH2I.

Triangular Dynamics: US Response to China’s Assertiveness in the Middle East

New dynamics govern today’s Middle East politics. At a time when Beijing has become a major player and the US perceives China as the sole credible threat to its global primacy, many Middle Eastern states play a triangulation game, offsetting Washington’s pressure with deepening ties with China. In response, the US now sees the region through the prism of managing its rivalry with Beijing. The Biden administration’s strategy is to identify key allies and integrate them into small networks to help protect American interests against Chinese influence. However, with such a strategy the US is setting itself up for frequent setbacks. Since those coalitions, based on the Abraham Accords, bypass the Palestinian issue, America’s Arab allies often find themselves faced with escalation in the occupied territories, thus derailing the work of such networks. Besides, many of America’s Middle East allies have no intention of getting embroiled in the US–Chinese tension.

The Impact of the Abraham Accords on Geopolitical Dynamics of the Middle East

The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, have emerged as a watershed moment in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, marking a significant shift in regional dynamics. This scientific article provides an in-depth analysis of the Accords’ impact on the Middle East, exploring the multifaceted consequences of this historic realignment. Focusing on the normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco, the study examines the broader geopolitical implications, with particular attention to the redefinition of regional alliances, economic and technological cooperation, and the nuanced effects on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The article delves into the strategic motivations behind the Accords and their influence on the traditional Arab-Israeli relations, underscoring a paradigm shift from longstanding animosity to a newfound cooperation based on shared interests, particularly in security and economic spheres. It evaluates the economic opportunities catalyzed by the Accords, such as increased trade and joint technological ventures, which promise to foster a new era of prosperity and interdependence in the region. Furthermore, the analysis addresses the complex implications for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, assessing the potential for the Accords to reshape the future trajectory of this long-standing conflict. While acknowledging the initial concerns of sidelining the Palestinian issue, the article explores the possibility of these agreements creating new platforms for dialogue and conflict resolution. The article also contextualizes the Accords within the broader regional and international geopolitical framework, analyzing how this development reflects the changing priorities and strategies of Middle Eastern states in response to regional threats, global economic trends, and the evolving role of external powers. The challenges and prospects for the future of the Abraham Accords are critically examined, considering the sustainability of these agreements amidst the dynamic and often volatile regional environment. In conclusion, this comprehensive study posits that the Abraham Accords signify a momentous shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics, with potential ramifications that extend beyond the immediate signatories. The Accords herald a new chapter in the region's history, where diplomatic engagement and economic collaboration may pave the way for a more stable and integrated Middle East, albeit with remaining challenges and uncertainties.

A Systematic Review of Climate Change Implications on Building Energy Consumption: Impacts and Adaptation Measures in Hot Urban Desert Climates

The climate change–built environment nexus is complex and intertwined. Recognizing the rising air temperatures and solar radiations owing to climate-induced global warming, it is critical to manage the increased building energy and cooling loads in the Middle East Gulf states’ hot desert climates (Bwh). One of the top climate priorities is to promote climate resilience by reducing risks and enhancing adaptation options. This study aims to systematically review the existing literature to document building energy performances in and the associated adaptation measures of the Middle East Gulf states, regarding the implications of climate change. It is accomplished by answering the following questions: ‘How well do we understand the effects of climate change on building energy use in hot urban deserts?’ and ‘What are the most appropriate adaptation strategies to reduce energy use in hot urban deserts?’. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis protocols (PRISMA), 17 studies on the influence of present and future weather scenarios on building performance are examined, considering variations in typology, methods, and input variables. Finally, the paper identifies the preferred methods and input variables for modelling building energy performance under predicted climatic changes. Passive design considerations are considered highly effective in mitigating and adapting to climate change implications. Thermal insulation and efficient window glazing are identified as the best-performing strategies, while the use of solar Photovoltaic (PV) is considered efficient in meeting the primary energy demands. The study’s findings can assist planners and designers in projecting future climatic influences on the energy usage of existing buildings.

The Syrian Crisis and Iran's Mideast Politics. Global and Regional Dimensions

After the ‘Arab Spring’, globalization actively shapes local attempts to build a new political order in the Middle East. The impact of global processes on nations and state-building has become more evident today. These processes affect the transformation of Middle Eastern states in terms of changes in the scope of the state's sovereign powers as a result of protracted crisis. Given the current political situation in the region, the mutual influence of countries has increased. The processes of institutionalization of foreign relations in the region are closely connected with the unfolding globalization in the Middle East.

Evolution of the Syrian Peace Process and the Position of the “Key” States Regarding the Syria’s Return to the Arab Fold

Introduction: The Syrian conflict remains one of the most acute unresolved conflicts of our time. Its internationalization, the active intervention of foreign states, especially the United States and Turkey in the dynamics of the conflict and their military presence on Syrian territory, remain obstacles to the settlement. However, the spring of 2023 was marked by a number of political events in the Middle East, which allow us to take a fresh look at the prospects for the Syrian peace process. Against the backdrop of increasing Israeli strikes against Syria, a serious strengthening of Iran's position and cross-border se­curity threats spreading from Syria in the face of de­teriorating socio-economic indicators in Syria due to Western sanctions, the leading Arab countries began to reconsider their relations with earlier rejected by them President B. Assad and started negotiations on the "return" of Syria to the Arab family. Materials and methods: Russian and foreign studies on the Syrian peace process, news sources of the world media were used as materials for writing the article. The methodological base was made up of discourse analysis and a comparative analysis of the approaches of the largest regional powers to the issue of resolving the Syrian conflict. Research results: The admission of Syria to the League of Arab States, the opening of diplomatic missions of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Oman in Syria allow us to conclude that the peace process is now in the hands of the countries of the Middle East region. The peace process also no longer consists of negotiations between the regional countries involved in the conflict and the Syrian government solely over the political structure of Syria, but rather consists of negotiations on the conditions for the legitimization of the Syrian au­thorities. Discussion and conclusion: At the same time, the role of Russia in the peace process is to organize negotiations between Syria and a number of the most authoritative Middle Eastern states: Turkey and Iran, in order to find acceptable conditions for the normalization and withdrawal of their troops from the territory of Syria in exchange for guarantees of their security and maintaining a certain balance of their interests in Syria and the Middle East region as a whole. The existing joint foreign policy interests in other regions of Russia with Turkey and Iran built interdependence relations and gave Moscow certain levers of influence on them in the Syrian negotiation process, which makes it an influential participant in the settlement of the conflict.

Is anyone a middle power? The case for historicization

AbstractWhat should happen to a concept as it loses real-world application? The concept of ‘middle power’ rose to prominence in the mid-20thcentury, establishing an influential practitioner–scholarly nexus over the next several decades. This prestigious history came at a cost, embedding three core assumptions into the concept: that middle powers areInternationalin focus,Multilateralin method, andGood Citizensin conduct. While there have been significant attempts by scholars to reform the concept, middle power theory has proven inseparable from these assumptions. In this paper, we examine six middle power states (Canada, Australia, South Korea, Indonesia, Turkey, and Mexico) and show middle power theory no longer helps us distinguish or interpret these states. Changes in the international environment suggest this finding will endure. As such, we argue for the historicization of the concept of ‘middle power’. We conclude by identifying a series of analytical puzzles which researchers will need to address to develop an appropriate conceptual lexicon for theorizing this type of state in the 21stcentury.