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

Russia Podcast Miniseries
Newsletter — September 15, 2020
Jake Sullivan: U.S. Grand Strategy in the Middle East

Photo: STRINGER/SPA/AFP via Getty Images
India's Model for the Middle East
As Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to the United States approaches, Dr. Jon Alterman analyzes India’s newfound legitimacy from its nonalignment strategy and the lessons that governments in the Middle East can take from the “India model” of multipolar foreign policy.
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — June 20, 2023

China Podcast Miniseries
Newsletter — January 21, 2020
Chinese and Russian Influence in the Middle East
Congressional Testimony by Jon B. Alterman

Photo: Frederic J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images
The Vital Triangle
Book by Jon B. Alterman and John W. Garver

Photo by:GREG BAKER/AFP/Getty Images
Saudi Arabia Steps Out
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman
All Great Powers and Geostrategy Content
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“Israel Could Lose”: Audio Brief with Jon B. Alterman
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman — November 10, 2023

Israel Could Lose
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — November 7, 2023
The World Can’t Solve the Israel-Hamas War without Egypt
Commentary by Daniel Byman and Jon B. Alterman — October 25, 2023
A Saudi-Israeli Deal Is Likely to Take Years, Not Weeks
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — September 19, 2023
India's Model for the Middle East
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — June 20, 2023
Five Factors Mean the Middle East Is Not Back to Normal
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — May 23, 2023
The Middle East’s Coming Centrality
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — September 20, 2022
The Middle East Transition We Need to Talk About
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — July 21, 2022
Rethinking Saudi Arabia
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — June 23, 2022
The Middle East’s Indifference to Ukraine Is a Warning
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — May 12, 2022