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.

China and the Middle East
Featured Analysis

Photo: Hasan Belal/Anadolu/Getty Images
Natasha Hall in The New York Times: There's Still a Chance to Get Syria Right
Commentary by Natasha Hall — April 2, 2025

Photo: Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images
Trump Takes on the Houthis
Critical Questions by Jon B. Alterman — March 27, 2025
All Great Powers and Geostrategy Content
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Natasha Hall in The New York Times: There's Still a Chance to Get Syria Right
Commentary by Natasha Hall — April 2, 2025
Trump Takes on the Houthis
Critical Questions by Jon B. Alterman — March 27, 2025
The Gaza War Resumes
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — March 18, 2025
Iranian Networks in the Middle East
Event — March 6, 2025
Iranian Networks in the Middle East
Transcript — March 6, 2025

Accidental Empire
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — February 24, 2025
Don’t Rush Syrian Refugees’ Return
Commentary by Will Todman — December 11, 2024
China in the Middle East
Event — November 4, 2024
China in the Middle East
Transcript — November 4, 2024