The Middle East and North Africa in International Relations: The Changing Dynamics of Regional and National Security
January 19, 2022
The security dynamics of the Middle East and North Africa have undergone periods of radical change ever since the end of World War II. They now are experiencing another series of radical shifts – in part, as a result of the civil forces that led to the popular uprisings and political forces that led to the “Arab Spring,” the rise of extremism and terrorism, and the major changes in the character of regional and external military forces.
The Emeritus Chair in Strategy is issuing a briefing that provides an overview of these issues through a series of assessments, maps, charts, and tables that are drawn from a wide range of sources. The briefing focuses on the key trends which have led to ongoing changes in politics, governance, and economics ranging from reform to civil war. It then addresses the current patterns in regional conflicts, terrorist and extremist threats, the coming “revolution” in MENA military forces, the impact of military emerging and disruptive technologies (EDTs), and the changes in the role of outside powers like the U.S., European Powers, China, and Russia.
It covers the entire MENA region, but also provides overviews of three subregions: North Africa, the Greater Levant, and the Persian/Arab Gulf. Detailed tables and graphs also address key data points and issues by individual country. The sources of the data used are listed for each table, graph, and map. Where possible, the data are drawn from official sources and international institutions.
This commentary entitled, The Middle East and North Africa in International Relations: The Changing Dynamics of Regional and National Security, is available for download at https://csis-website-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/publication/220119_.Emeritus_MENA_International_Relations.pdf?PPgO06uRNQ.fDPKUZjBynMI7FygFJUXF.
Anthony H. Cordesman holds the Emeritus Chair in Strategy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. He has served as a consultant on Afghanistan to the United States Department of Defense and the United States Department of State.
Commentary is produced by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a private, tax-exempt institution focusing on international public policy issues. Its research is nonpartisan and nonproprietary. CSIS does not take specific policy positions. Accordingly, all views, positions, and conclusions expressed in this publication should be understood to be solely those of the author(s).
© 2022 by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. All rights reserved.
