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 Projects

Photo: WANG ZHAO/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: WANG ZHAO/AFP/Getty Images

The China Model's Middle East Appeal

Analyzing Middle Eastern states’ perceptions and emulation of a China model and China’s changing presentation of its model to appeal to target countries.

Project

Featured Analysis

Photo: YAHYA HASSOUNA/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: YAHYA HASSOUNA/AFP/Getty Images

Israel Could Lose

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.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — November 7, 2023

Federated Defense in the Middle East

This study examines the potential for a “federated defense” approach to U.S. action in the Middle East, the constraints to closer military cooperation in the region, and specific capability areas that would benefit from federated defense.

Report by Jon B. Alterman, Tom Karako, Richard Say, Colin McElhinny, Melissa Dalton, and Kathleen H. Hicks — September 17, 2015

Featured Testimony

Photo: Cameron Glass/CSIS

Photo: Cameron Glass/CSIS

China and the Middle East

China sees the Middle East as the point of the spear of creating a different world which is more mercantilist and less committed to international law and multilateralism.

Congressional Testimony by Jon B. Alterman — April 19, 2024

All Great Powers and Geostrategy Content

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Why Did the United States Just Bomb Yemen?

On January 11, U.S. and British militaries attacked 60 Houthi targets. Jon Alterman explains why this happened, the regional dynamics at play, and what this means for peace talks in Yemen.  

Critical Questions by Jon B. Alterman — January 12, 2024

China’s Essential Role in the Gulf States’ Energy Transitions

China has established itself as an essential partner in Gulf states’ energy transition, serving as an investor and developer in renewable energy projects. Western governments, however, have been reluctant to compete with Chinese enterprises in the region.

Brief by Faris Al-Sulayman and Jon B. Alterman — December 11, 2023

Israel Could Lose

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.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — November 7, 2023

The World Can’t Solve the Israel-Hamas War without Egypt

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. 

Commentary by Daniel Byman and Jon B. Alterman — October 25, 2023

A Saudi-Israeli Deal Is Likely to Take Years, Not Weeks

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.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — September 19, 2023

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

Five Factors Mean the Middle East Is Not Back to Normal

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.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — May 23, 2023