Great Powers and Geostrategy

Analyzing Great Power engagement with the Middle East and the region’s geostrategic questions

Most analysts note the growing Russian and Chinese presence in the Middle East and presume that the Great Powers will increasingly compete for influence there, given the region’s energy reserves and security vulnerabilities. Yet, even now, the Great Powers see the Middle East differently from each other. Changes in the global energy mix, demographics, trade patterns, and other factors are likely to heighten those differences in the coming decades. The Middle East Program examines evolving trends in Great Power-Middle East engagement, as well as Great Power conflict and collaboration within the region, with a focus on geostrategy.

 

Featured Analysis

Photo: NABIL HASAN/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: NABIL HASAN/AFP/Getty Images

Understanding the Saudi Reaction to the Escalation in Yemen

The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council’s capture of two southern Yemeni provinces, as well as Saudi forces’ recent strike on UAE-shipped weapons and vehicles in Al Mukalla, has led to unprecedented tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Commentary by Michael Ratney — December 31, 2025

Illustration: Fabio Murgia/CSIS; Getty Images; Wikimedia Commons

CRINK in 10 Charts

Commentary by Brian Hart, Bonny Lin, Maria Snegovaya, and Mona Yacoubian — November 24, 2025

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CRINK Diplomatic Ties: A Broader Tilt Toward the Global South

Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the 2025 Iran-Israel war have raised questions about deepening cooperation between China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea (CRINK). Mona Yacoubian and Briana Winslow examine this relationship and the veracity of these assumptions.

Brief by Mona Yacoubian and Briana Winslow — September 26, 2025

Israel and Iran At War: What Comes Next? 

CSIS experts Daniel Byman and Doreen Horschig join Mona Yacoubian to discuss current developments in the Iran-Israel conflict, moderated by Will Todman.

Event — June 17, 2025

Israel and Iran at War: What Comes Next?

CSIS experts Daniel Byman and Doreen Horschig join Mona Yacoubian to discuss current developments in the Iran-Israel conflict, moderated by Will Todman.

Transcript — June 17, 2025

Can Syria Recover? Why Sanctions Relief Is Not Enough

President Trump’s recent announcement to lift sanctions on Syria is an important first step, but it’s not enough. The United States and Syria’s other partners now need to clear the remaining obstacles to stability and economic recovery.

Commentary by Natasha Hall and Ninar Fawal — May 29, 2025

Trump Announces Lifting of Sanctions on Syria

President Trump’s announcement that he is lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria could yield both Gulf goodwill and lucrative business opportunities. While some are undoubtedly happy with the decision, it also foregoes U.S. leverage on Syria’s new government.
 

Critical Questions by Mona Yacoubian — May 13, 2025