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 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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When Our Middle East Friends Talk, They Talk about Hedging

Dr. Jon Alterman discusses how uncertainty in a changing global environment is driving Middle Eastern countries to hedge between regional rivals, as well as between the United States and China.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — February 22, 2022

Rescuing Aid in Syria

Eleven years into the Syrian conflict, needs continue to rise. Yet, violence, uncertainty, and the Syrian government’s manipulation of the aid sector continues to plague the aid response. This CSIS report articulates the challenges to assistance and how to overcome them.

Report by Natasha Hall — February 14, 2022

Doing Less Is Not Enough

Dr. Jon Alterman discusses the Biden administration’s return to the basics in the Middle East and the need for an organizing principle.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — December 13, 2021

The Puzzle of U.S.-Saudi Ties

Jon Alterman tackles the ambivalent relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — October 20, 2021

China Headaches for Iran Deal

Jon Alterman gives a commentary on China’s changing role in nuclear negotiations.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — September 22, 2021

The Implications of the UN Cross-Border Vote in Syria

Russia is threatening to end UN cross-border humanitarian operations in Syria when the needs are rising. This report addresses the potential impact of ending these operations and what those who care about the humanitarian crisis and regional stability should do about it.

Brief by Natasha Hall — June 4, 2021

The Smart Way out of the Middle East

Dr. Jon Alterman discusses how the United States can rebalance away from the Middle East while maintaining influence over its allies and partners.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — February 22, 2021

Iran Will Still Be a Slog

Dr. Jon Alterman explores three elements of Iran’s strategy to pursue leverage for future negotiations with the United States and its partners.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — January 25, 2021