This presentation addresses the attempts made by the post-fourth/tenth century ?Abbasid caliphs to reassert their "imperial presence" in the central Islamic lands in spite of the Buyid and Saljuq hegemonic presence. Although many of the caliphs during this period were quite successful in defining their position and expanding their scope of power and authority, it is clear by the end of the sixth/twelfth century that the Abbasids would have to resign themselves to a limited sphere of power; they would remain just one of a number of powers navigating a constantly changing political arena. Three specific periods are addressed in this work: the interaction among al-Qgdir (r. 381-422/991-1031) and his son al-Qonim bi-amr allah (r. 422-467/1031-1075) and the Buyid amirs Jalal al-Dawla and Abu Kalijar; al-Musta hir billah's (r. 487-512/1094-1118) bid to take a more active role in Saljuq affairs after the death of Malikshah (d. 485/1092); and al-Mustarshid's (r. 512-529/1118-1135) resurrection of the rAbbasid military presence in the region during the first quarter of the sixth century. An analysis of these caliphs' actions and the actions of their Buyid and Saljuq allies/rivals both highlights the porous nature of the region's political arena and underscores the limitations all the political powers faced at this time. What becomes clear from this analysis is that although the sAbbasids were unable to revive their imperial presence in the region in a concrete fashion, their attempts nevertheless should not be construed as a complete failure. This presentation will conclude by suggesting alternative ways in which scholars can address such concepts as empire, hegemony, and power in the medieval period. Evidence is provided from many of the major textual sources from this period, including the works of Ibn al-Jawz , Ibn al-Ath r, Sibz b. al-JawzA, al-Bundar?, al-ausaynz, and others. In addition, numismatic evidence is used to corroborate and challenge the textual sources.