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, this initiative 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. While a comprehensive regional security architecture ultimately will be essential to sustain diplomatic, development, and economic progress, the initiative initially will examine ways to strengthen/expand existing structures. It will assess the heightened risks of conflict among regional powers as some seek to shape the contours of the emerging order militarily. 

Specifically, this initiative will take stock of existing agreements such as the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) in Bahrain and “mini-lateral” groupings such as GCC+ formats, the Baghdad conference format and the Red Sea Council as potential models. It will also explore the GCC’s “New Vision” for regional security cooperation as well as other regional security architecture models such as ASEAN. The Middle East Program will address “seam” issues including Gulf power projection and competition in the Red Sea/Horn of Africa.

This initiative is made possible by general support to CSIS.

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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

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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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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