Pillar IV: Building a Regional Security Architecture

This pillar will assess pathways toward an inclusive Middle East security architecture by exploring both new and existing frameworks.

A foundational pillar, its work will explore approaches to building a regional security architecture for the Middle East, the most conflict-prone region in the world and yet the only region lacking an inclusive, multilateral forum for dialogue and cooperation on security issues. In the shadow of the Iran war, how can the region manage challenges of security and deterrence? How will various actors respond to emerging military and security dynamics? As the region diversifies security partners, what role will the United States play? How should we understand the role of new security stakeholders such as Pakistan? While a comprehensive regional security architecture ultimately will be essential to sustain diplomatic, development, and economic progress, our work initially will examine emergent "mini-laterals" and the new security partnerships that are starting to shape an emerging order.

This initiative is made possible by general support to CSIS.

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Featured Analysis

Photo: Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua/Getty Images

Photo: Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua/Getty Images

Avoiding Another Long War in Yemen

In the wake of the Riyadh airport attacks, Saudi Arabia risks getting sucked into another long, costly war that ultimately only emboldens the Houthis and deepens the regional conflict. Allison Minor outlines a better approach.

Commentary by Allison Minor — October 15, 2026

Featured Video

Photo: CSIS

After Hormuz: Will the Houthis Block Another Chokepoint?

On March 28th, Iran's Yemeni proxy joined the war in the Middle East, firing missiles at Israel. But they have not yet played one of the most important cards still at their disposal – attacking shipping in the Bab al-Mandeb chokepoint.

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Israel’s Elections and the Future of the Middle East

November 12, 2026 • 10:00 – 11:00 am EST

Join the CSIS Middle East Program for an expert panel examining the regional implications of Israel’s elections.

Hosted by Middle East Program
Photo: Erik Marmor/picture alliance via Getty Images

Photo: Erik Marmor/picture alliance via Getty Images

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All Pillar IV: Building a Regional Security Architecture Content

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Preparing for the Next Crisis

This installment of Charting the Middle East highlights the importance of early warning systems, emergency communications, and community-based warning mechanisms amid recurrent surges of conflict in the region.

Newsletter by Josiane Atallah — November 5, 2026

Avoiding Another Long War in Yemen

In the wake of the Riyadh airport attacks, Saudi Arabia risks getting sucked into another long, costly war that ultimately only emboldens the Houthis and deepens the regional conflict. Allison Minor outlines a better approach.

Commentary by Allison Minor — October 15, 2026

Saudi Arabia Faces the Era of Disequilibrium

Saudi Arabia faces a new era of uncertainty. The Iran war has exposed the kingdom to the vulnerabilities of regional conflict, prompting Riyadh to rethink its security partnerships, energy strategy, and Vision 2030 ambitions.

Commentary by Michael Ratney — September 24, 2026

The Levantine Opportunity in a Churning Middle East

The wars of the past three years have eroded the fragile order of the Middle East. Now, for the first time in decades, the Levant has a chance to create a new alignment and build a regional order centered around strong, inclusive states, stability, and open trade.

Commentary by Paul Salem — September 21, 2026

Iran and the Emerging Security Order in the Middle East

The war with Iran has reshaped the Middle East, exposing the limits of U.S. power and raising questions about the future of regional security. As the old order unravels, Tehran may emerge with greater influence in a more multipolar region.

Commentary by Vali Nasr — September 14, 2026

The Middle East at a “Hinge Moment”

The Middle East has entered a hinge moment—the old order dying, a new one yet to emerge. As the region’s own actors, fortified by newfound agency, compete to shape this unsettled interval, many trajectories, from renewed conflict to stabilization, remain possible.

Commentary by Mona Yacoubian — September 9, 2026