Great Powers and Geostrategy

In a new commentary, Jon Alterman explains that while Israel has the most formidable fighting force in the region, it needs to prioritize winning back global support, invigorating the Palestinian Authority, and splitting Hamas off from the population.

With an ailing economy and post-Arab Spring political turbulence, Egypt has become increasingly marginalized on the regional and global stage. The ongoing Israel-Hamas war, however, underscores that Egypt is a vital regional partner to the United States. 

Jon Alterman argues that while the Biden administration’s efforts to broker a Saudi-Israeli agreement will take years to achieve, these talks are an important avenue for communication and relationship-building.

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.

In a new commentary, Jon Alterman discusses five major factors that place Middle Eastern governments in a weaker position today than in 2011. He explains how their position is likely to decline even further and what this means for the future of the region.

Dr. Jon Alterman discusses the Middle East’s likely future on the world stage as the energy transition looms on the horizon.

Dr. Jon B. Alterman calls attention to a transition in the Middle East that receives little attention, and how the United States can help regional states approach the looming changes to the benefit of U.S. strategic interests.

Dr. Jon Alterman discusses progress and setbacks in Saudi Arabia's sociopolitical reform efforts and what these mean for U.S. engagement (or disengagement) with the kingdom in the future.

CSIS's Jon Alterman examines the unwillingness of U.S. partners in the Middle East to choose sides over the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its implications for great power competition with Russia and China.