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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Saudi Arabia Steps Out

The recent China-brokered agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran represents a new era of Saudi diplomacy, shifting away from passive agreement with the United States and toward greater independent engagement in the region and beyond. 

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — March 22, 2023

Photo: Frederic J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: Frederic J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images

The Vital Triangle

Book by Jon B. Alterman and John W. Garver

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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

Babel: U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East

U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East: Part Six

Jon explores how people and governments in the Middle East see the United States, and what they want from U.S. policy in the region.

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman — April 12, 2022

CSIS Babel U.S. in the Middle East
Babel: U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East

U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East: Part Five

Jon explores U.S. soft power in the Middle East and what makes American culture, ideals, and institutions so attractive.

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman — April 5, 2022

CSIS Babel U.S. in the Middle East
Babel: U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East

U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East: Part Four

Jon explores U.S. diplomacy in the Middle East and how U.S. policymakers think about the use of diplomatic tools. 

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman — March 29, 2022

CSIS Babel U.S. in the Middle East
Babel: U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East

U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East: Part Three

Jon explores how the United States has used its economic toolkit in the Middle East, and how sanctions and development aid have been in advancing U.S. interests in the Middle East. 

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman — March 22, 2022

CSIS Babel U.S. in the Middle East