In light of the current transformation of the regional order in the Middle East and North Africa, the paper explores the altered nature and functions of borders in the Middle East from a historical and theoretical perspective. As a starting point to such an endeavour, the paper provides a historical context to the problem of contested borders and regional order in the Middle East and North Africa. It revisits the key political developments that have affected the configuration of state authority, legitimacy, and territoriality since the formation of the modern state system in the Middle East until today. Based on this discussion, and considering current developments in the region, the paper looks at the changing meaning and function of borders in the region. It subsequently raises the question of whether prevailing conceptualisations of the state and its borders are adequate to understand past and present developments in the region. It concludes by suggesting a number of alternative concepts.