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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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

All Great Powers and Geostrategy Content

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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

The Middle East’s Coming Centrality

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

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — September 20, 2022

The Middle East Transition We Need to Talk About

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.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — July 21, 2022

Rethinking Saudi Arabia

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.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — June 23, 2022

The Middle East’s Indifference to Ukraine Is a Warning

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.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — May 12, 2022