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.

 

Photo: Rolex - Pool/Getty Images

China and the Middle East

 

For the Middle East Program’s research on China in the region, please click here.

Featured Analysis

Photo: Hasan Belal/Anadolu/Getty Images

Photo: Hasan Belal/Anadolu/Getty Images

Natasha Hall in The New York Times: There's Still a Chance to Get Syria Right

Syria is in a fragile state after the overthrow of Bashar al Assad. The United States can help ensure a stable post-Assad transition by engaging the new government, lifting its broad sanctions, and keeping its regional allies in check.

Commentary by Natasha Hall — April 2, 2025

Photo: Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images

Photo: Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images

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

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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

The Gaza War Resumes

Israel’s renewed attacks on Gaza will likely help secure Netanyahu’s ruling coalition and are a response to both Hamas’s shows of strength and the new Trump administration’s support for Israel. Still, they could indicate a less favorable long-term outcome.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — March 18, 2025

Iranian Networks in the Middle East

Renad Mansour, senior research fellow and project director of the Iraq Initiative at Chatham House and Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House join Dr. Jon Alterman to discuss emerging trends in Iran's transnational networks.

Event — March 6, 2025

Iranian Networks in the Middle East

Renad Mansour, senior research fellow & project director of the Iraq Initiative at Chatham House and Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East & North Africa Programme at Chatham House join Dr. Jon Alterman to discuss emerging trends in Iran's transnational networks.

Transcript — March 6, 2025

Audio Briefs

Accidental Empire

An audio version of “Accidental Empire,” a new commentary by CSIS's Jon B. Alterman. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman — February 25, 2025

Audio Briefs

Accidental Empire

In a time of fewer multilateral tools and fewer American allies, President Donald Trump’s proposal to seek mineral rights in exchange for U.S. aid to Ukraine will likely mean a long-term increase in U.S. troops to protect these investments.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — February 24, 2025

Don’t Rush Syrian Refugees’ Return

After Bashar al-Assad’s ouster in Syria, European countries are rushing to send Syrians back to their home country. But a policy of rapid returns risks undermining the transition, destabilizing the region, and renewing displacement.

Commentary by Will Todman — December 11, 2024

China in the Middle East

Please join the CSIS Middle East Program for a conversation about the evolving role of China in the Middle East and its implications for U.S. regional policy.

Event — November 4, 2024

China in the Middle East

On November 4, the CSIS Middle East Program hosted a discussion with Jude Blanchette, Rick Waters, and Yun Sun on China’s ambitions in the region, the future of great power competition, and Dr. Alterman’s report about the Middle East's view of the "China Model."

Transcript — November 4, 2024