Employing Futures Studies Methods and Approaches in Political Science: Prospects and Challenges

Abstract

This study aims to identify the trends and methodologies of Futures Studies, clarifying how they can be utilized in Political Science from a forward-looking perspective for the discipline. Accordingly, it seeks to answer the main question: What is the relationship between Futures Studies and Political Science, and what tools can be employed in political analysis?
The study relies on the futures research methodology and employs multiple approaches to support the analysis of political phenomena, such as scenarios, the Delphi method, and forecasting. The study reached several key findings, most notably: that Futures Studies has evolved from mere philosophy into an independent science with its own specific techniques, methodologies, and tools, leading to the establishment of numerous futures bodies, institutions, councils, and forums worldwide. Furthermore, the strength of Futures Studies lies in its ability to integrate quantitative and qualitative methods to provide proactive insights. There is also growing interest in employing this science in the field of Political Science to provide advanced political forecasting, enabling decision-makers and researchers to address political issues and anticipate their trajectories.
Based on these findings, the study presents a set of recommendations, including: the necessity of building a strong theoretical foundation for Futures Studies in the Arab world that considers cultural and social specificities without isolating itself from global methodologies; the systematic integration of Futures Studies into public policy-making processes; investment in modern analysis tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML); the development of academic curricula in universities to enhance futures thinking among students in Political Science disciplines; and encouraging collaboration among researchers, decision-makers, and civil institutions to exchange expertise.