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

Russia Podcast Miniseries
Newsletter — September 15, 2020
Jake Sullivan: U.S. Grand Strategy in the Middle East

Photo by:GREG BAKER/AFP/Getty Images
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

China Podcast Miniseries
Newsletter — January 21, 2020
Chinese and Russian Influence in the Middle East
Congressional Testimony by Jon B. Alterman

Photo: Frederic J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images
The Vital Triangle
Book by Jon B. Alterman and John W. Garver

Why Did China Help Saudi Arabia and Iran Resume Diplomatic Ties?
Critical Questions by Jon B. Alterman
All content by Great Powers and Geostrategy
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Five Factors Mean the Middle East Is Not Back to Normal
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — May 23, 2023
The Middle East’s Coming Centrality
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — September 20, 2022
The Middle East Transition We Need to Talk About
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — July 21, 2022
Rethinking Saudi Arabia
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — June 23, 2022
The Middle East’s Indifference to Ukraine Is a Warning
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — May 12, 2022
U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East: Part Seven
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman — April 19, 2022

U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East: Part Six
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman — April 12, 2022

U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East: Part Five
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman — April 5, 2022

U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East: Part Four
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman — March 29, 2022

U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East: Part Three
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman — March 22, 2022
