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.

 

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Photo: BASHAR TALEB/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: BASHAR TALEB/AFP/Getty Images

What Comes Next for Israel-Hamas Ceasefire?

On October 8, President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of his peace deal for Gaza. Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman unpack the agreement’s timing, Trump’s role, remaining challenges, and regional ramifications.

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Critical Questions by Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman — October 9, 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

Trump Takes on the Houthis

The Trump administration is escalating attacks on Houthi targets in Yemen in response to Houthi assaults on commercial shipping. The U.S. government is also increasingly blaming Iran for Houthi actions, which could intensify the conflict between the two countries.

Critical Questions by Jon B. Alterman — March 27, 2025