Adaptive Leadership Education for Revitalizing Global Missionary Agencies in Times of Geopolitical Conflict: A Proactive Response to the USA–Israel/Iran Crisis

Oladele Olubukola Olabode; PhD.; Olayemi Akande; PhD

doi:10.56201/jpslr.vol.12.no4.2026.pg1.10

📄 Download Paper

Adaptive Leadership Education for Revitalizing Global Missionary Agencies in Times of Geopolitical Conflict: A Proactive Response to the USA–Israel/Iran Crisis

Oladele Olubukola Olabode, PhD., Olayemi Akande, PhD

Abstract

The contemporary global environment is increasingly shaped by complex geopolitical conflicts, particularly the tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which have resulted in sustained hostilities, diplomatic uncertainty, and regional instability. These developments have significantly impacted international relations, economic systems, and humanitarian conditions, thereby creating unprecedented challenges for global missionary agencies. Such challenges include restricted access to mission fields, heightened security risks, cultural sensitivities, and the growing need for peace-oriented engagement. In response to these realities, there is an urgent need for innovative leadership approaches that can navigate uncertainty while preserving the mission and values of faith-based organizations. This study explores adaptive leadership education as a strategic framework for revitalizing global missionary agencies amid geopolitical conflict. Adaptive leadership emphasizes flexibility, critical reflection, contextual awareness, and collaborative problem-solving, enabling leaders to respond proactively to complex and rapidly changing environments. By fostering resilience and creativity, this approach enables missionary agencies to adjust their strategies, engage in humanitarian efforts, and contribute effectively in conflict-sensitive contexts. The paper, therefore, examines the basis of the USA–Israel/Iran crisis. It evaluates how adaptive leadership education can enhance mission effectiveness, promote peacebuilding, and sustain relevance in an increasingly volatile global landscape.

Keywords

Adaptive Leadership EducationRevitalizationGlobal Missionary AgenciesGeopolitical Conflict and USA–Israel/Iran Crisis

References

Al Jazeera. (2026, February 28). World reacts to US, Israel attack on Iran, Tehran retaliation. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/28/world-reacts-to-us-israel-attack-on-iran- tehran-retaliation Borthwick, P. (2012). Western Christians in global mission: What's the role of the North American Church? InterVarsity Press. Britannica. (2026). 2026 Iran conflict. https://www.britannica.com/event/2026-Iran-Conflict Britannica. (2026). Israel-Iran conflict. https://www.britannica.com/event/Israel-Iran-conflict Business Insider. (2026, March). The US has less than a month of key missile stockpiles amid anIran war, researchers say. https://www.businessinsider.com/us-less-than-month- stockpile-thaad-prsm-iran-war-researchers-2026-3 Current Sign Journal. (2025). Escalation of proxy warfare in the Middle East: The case of Iranand Israel. https://currentsignjournal.com/index.php/JCS/article/view/197 Escobar, S. (2003). A time for mission: The challenge for global Christianity. InterVarsity Press. Freire, P. (1970). Pedagogy of the Oppressed. Continuum. Global Conflict Tracker. (2026). Iran's war with Israel and the United States. Council on Foreign Relations.https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/confrontation-`between- united-states-and-iran Global Witness. (2026). Why the US and Israel attacked Iran and what it means for oil.https://globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/fossil-fuels/why-the-us-and-israel-attacked- iran-and-what-it-means-for-oil/ Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ. Bantam Books. Heifetz, R. A. (1994). Leadership without easy answers. Harvard University Press. Heifetz, R. A., & Linsky, M. (2002). Leadership on the line: Staying alive through the dangers of leading. Harvard Business School Press. Mezirow, J. (2000). Learning as transformation: Critical perspectives on a theory in progress. Jossey-Bass. Myers, B. L. (2011). Walking with people with low incomes: Principles and practices of transformational development (Rev. ed.). Orbis Books. New York Post. (2026, March 24). Iran says non-hostile ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz.https://nypost.com/2026/03/24/world-news/iran-says-non-hostile-ships-can-pass- through-strait-of-hormuz/ Reuters. (2026, March 25). UN needs more funds to help people displaced by Middle East war,refugee chief says. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/un-needs-more-funds- help-people-displaced-by-mideast-war-refugee-chief-says-2026-03-25/ Reuters. (2026, March 26). US proposal to end war is 'one-sided,' but diplomacy continues, senior Iranian official says. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-proposal-end-war-is- one-sided-door-diplomacy-still-open-iranian-official-says-2026-03-26/ Reuters. (2026, March 26). What does each side in the Iran war say it would accept for a deal?https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/what-does-each-side-iran-war-say-it- would-accept-deal-2026-03-26/ Reuters. (2026, March 26). China urges peace talks in the Iran war. https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-urges-peace-talks-iran-war-2026-03-26/ Robert, D. L. (2009). Christian mission: How Christianity became a world religion. Wiley- Blackwell. Schön, D. A. (1983). The reflective practitioner: How professionals think in action. Basic Books. E-ISSN 2504-883X P-ISSN 2695 2432 Senge, P. M. (1990). The fifth discipline: The art and practice of the learning organization. Doubleday. Siddiqi, A., & Khairunnisa, R. (2025). Ideological dynamics and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Journal of International

Adaptive Leadership Education for Revitalizing Global Missionary Agencies in Times of Geopolitical Conflict: A Proactive Response to the USA–Israel/Iran Crisis

Abstract

Keywords

References

More Articles from JOURNAL OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND LEADERSHIP RESEARCH