In 2000, the editors of the International Journal of Middle East Studies updated the journal’s statement of geographical scope. In large part, this update simply dropped outdated nomenclatures for areas the journal had already designated as the Middle East (such as eliminating references to the now defunct Soviet Union). But the new statement also expanded the definition of the Middle East to include Muslim South Asia.

Furthermore, the journal declared itself open to "articles on communities or politics in Central Asia, Russia, or Europe that had or have strong Middle Eastern ties or contexts, or on relations between those regions and the Middle East." The journal thus recognized a Middle Eastern sphere of influence beyond the Middle East proper.

Source: International Journal of Middle East Studies 32 (2000), inside front cover.