This book arises from papers presented at the first international academic conference by the Middle East and Central Asia Research Center (MECARC) at Ariel University, Israel. It compiles works that address gaps in academic literature, focusing on the influence of communities and leaders on socio-political identities. While much literature on the Middle East often centers on politics and security from a state-centric perspective, this book emphasizes the importance of identities and narratives within cultural, religious, and social contexts. The chapters explore diverse actors shaping identities, highlighting their impact across local, national, regional, and global levels. Aimed at specialists, advanced and undergraduate students in Middle Eastern Studies, Israel Studies, and comparative political science, this volume also appeals to a broader readership interested in the formation of collective identities, especially in the Mediterranean region. It offers insights that are accessible and engaging for those interested in popular social science.