Middle East Notes and Comment: Focus on Influence, Not Power, in the Middle East

Focus on Influence, Not Power, in the Middle East

Among the most enduring of Joe Nye’s contributions to strategy is one he popularized 30 years ago: his concept of “soft power.” Power was about countries’ ability to “do things and control others,” Nye wrote, and so called “hard power” instruments such as military strength were of diminishing importance. The role of “soft power” instruments such as technological, economic, and educational strength were rising.

The U.S. experience in the Middle East for the last two decades presents a checkered record for hard and soft power alike, and part of the problem is focusing too narrowly on the issue of “power” itself.

Read Jon Alterman's commentary on Defense One.

From the Middle East Program

Sustainable States

As part of the Middle East Program's ongoing work on the subject, "Sustainable States" Working Group and Advisory Board members are publishing commentaries for a new series called "Notes from the Field." In the most recent commentary, published today, Dr. Mohammad al-Saidi discusses Yemen’s energy adaptation amid the ongoing conflict, as well as the importance of investing in micro-level infrastructure provision and resilience as Yemen rebuilds.

Jessica Obeid wrote a commentary about how decentralized renewable energy models offer an opportunity for Lebanon and Jordan to circumvent political bottlenecks, provide affordable electricity, and reduce reliance on imported fuel.

In another commentary, Karim Elgendy argues that urban regeneration can not only improve the sustainability and resilience of a city, but also improve its livability and strengthen its social fabric.

Events

Jon hosted an event with Eric Brewer, Hannah Kaviani, and Henry Rome on how the Biden administration should seek to engage with Iran over its nuclear program. Watch the event back or read the transcript here.

Jon provided opening remarks for a CSIS Humanitarian Agenda event, "Reflections on Syria's Decade of Conflict." You can watch the event back here.

Babel: Translating the Middle East

In our most recent episode of Babel, we released an episode to mark a decade since protests first began in Syria. In it, we shared the stories and experiences of five different Syrians, in their own words.

In another episode, Jon talked with Stephanie Williams about why the conflict in Libya has lasted this long, the importance of facilitating a Libyan-Libyan resolution to the conflict, and her role as a mediator in the process.

In a third episode, Jon spoke with Ambassador James Jeffrey about Turkey's Middle East policy, how to think about Turkey's versus Erdogan's views, and if Turkey has any allies in the Middle East.

We also released two new mezze episodes: one on the dangers fishermen face in Yemen and one on social media influencers in the UAE.

Other

Join our team! We are seeking highly motivated candidates for a virtual, paid, three-month internship for Summer 2021. Apply here.

"Syria's Decade of Tragedy," our Babel episode featuring stories from five Syrians, was featured in newsletters from The Washington Post and Politico.